FAQ
- Do I need a referral?
- What happens on my first office visit, and how long will it take?
- Will my insurance company cover my office visits, and will you bill them first?
- Will my insurance cover the ELVS procedure if I need it done?
- Is the procedure painful, and how long does it last?
- Will I have pain after, and for how long?
- Will I need to wear compression hose/stockings?
- Will my insurance cover Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins?
A. No, you can call and make an appointment for your first consultation without a referral. You are also welcome to arrange a visit through your primary care physician's office.
Q. What happens on my first office visit, and how long will it take?
A. Plan to be here for at least 90 minutes. You will typically have a specialized ultrasound exam performed in order to medically diagnose your problem. This is crucial in order to determine the etiology of the venous problem, as major feeding veins to varicosities are typically not visible to the naked eye. The physicians, along with the ultrasound technologist at some clinics, will perform, read and diagnose your ultrasound results on this first visit. If an ablation procedure is a recommended treatment option for you, you may be shown a video on the Venous Ablation procedure. You will then have time with a Vein Clinic physician and their staff to discuss diagnostic and treatment options, along with further scheduling if necessary.
Q. Will my insurance company cover my office visits, and will you bill them first?
A. Yes, many insurance companies have paid for the office visits (which are considered medical visits.) (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, United HealthCare to name a few.) Yes, our office staff will process your bills through your insurance company first, and then bill you for any co-pay.
Q. Will my insurance cover the ELVS procedure if I need it done?
A. Many insurance companies have paid for the ELVS procedure (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, United HealthCare) based on The Vein Clinic's physician's medical diagnosis that you have medically problematic varicose veins and need medical treatment. Our office staff will pre-authorize with your insurance company prior to scheduling your treatment. Again, the procedure will be billed to your insurance company first, and then our office will bill you for any co-pay.
Q. Is the procedure painful, and how long does it last?
A. Most patients have experienced minimal discomfort. Of course, every patient is different. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.
Q. Will I have pain after, and for how long?
A. Again, although everyone is different, there may be some tenderness and bruising for about a week or two. However, after the procedure is done you can resume normal activity immediately. We encourage walking twice daily for 20 minutes each time.
Q. Will I need to wear compression hose/stockings?
A. In the past, and still today, the first line of attack for varicose veins may include daily usage of compression hosiery. Again, if you are diagnosed with venous disease on your first visit, the staff may discuss compression hose treatment options.
Q. Will my insurance cover Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins?
A. Sclerotherapy is considered cosmetic and most insurances do not consider it a covered benefit. The Vein Clinic makes sclerotherapy affordable and also offers special discounts. Click here to view our current specials.
