Frequently Asked Questions

We have listed some of the frequently asked questions that we hear from our patients each day. Please scan the Q&A below to see if you can find the answer to your question. If you do not see it here then feel free to ask us by clicking the “contact us” link in the top menu.

Q. Does healthcare insurance and medicare cover laser treatment for my varicose veins?

Many major insurance companies and Medicare do cover laser treatment for varicose veins by qualified surgeons.

Q. What health insurance plans are accepted by Fox Vein Care?

We participate in numerous health insurance plans. Listed below is a partial list of those that we currently accept:

• AARP
• AETNA
• Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO/EPO Only
• Cigna
• Empire PPO/EPO Only
• GHI (PPO Only
• HIP
• Medicare
• Magnacare
• Oxford
• Healthnet
• United Health Care
• Elderplan
• Wellcare

Q. What if my health insurance plan is not on the list of plans accepted by Fox Vein Care?

If you do not see your plan on this list your insurance may stil pay for your vein care if you have out-of network benefits. Consult your policy for details or call your insurance carrier to learn what coverage options are available to you. The staff at Fox Vein Care can assist you with this process.

Q. What is the process for EVLT therapy?

Details of the procedure can be found under the Vein Treatments section of this site.

Visit our Vein Resource page to learn more about varicose vein and spider veins.

What are varicose veins?

The term ‘varicose veins‘ is often used to describe everything from smaller, spider veins (red or blue veins on the surface of the skin) up to true varicose veins (swollen, bulging veins with a rope-like appearance). Varicose veins are quite common, with one in three woman and one in five men experience problems. Varicose vein symptoms can include swelling, a tired, heavy feeling, leg fatigue, leg pain, as well as burning and itching sensations.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are almost always associated with venous reflux. This occurs when the valves in the leg veins don’t work well, and backward blood flow causes pooling in the lower leg. Without treatment, the pressure this creates may increase over time and cause additional varicose veins and symptoms. People with a family history and who are older, obese or are pregnant may be at increased risk of developing varicose veins.

Can varicose veins be prevented?

It is unclear if varicose veins can be prevented, but certain actions may help limit the disease’s progression and symptoms. Routine exercise, maintaining a normal weight, avoiding excessively long periods of standing or sitting, and the use of compression stockings may all help alleviate symptoms.

What happens if I don’t treat the vein?

If you have underlying venous disease (e.g., venous reflux), the pressure created by backflow of blood and pooling in the lower legs may create a progressive condition that only gets worse with time. This may lead to additional spider veins and varicose veins, and in some cases can lead to swelling and venous ulcers at the lower calf and ankle. Only a trained vein specialist can effectively evaluate your spider veins or varicose veins.

Will my spider veins or varicose veins reoccur, even with treatment?

Sometimes the same factors that helped to cause your first spider veins or varicose veins (e.g., family history, age, obesity, female hormones, etc.) will make you predisposed to develop additional vein conditions. If a specific vein is properly treated, it usually does not recur, but it is possible that other veins may become diseased. This is why it is important that even if you have what appear to be simple, cosmetic spider veins, that you consult a vein specialist who can determine if you have an underlying condition (venous reflux). If you do, and you don’t treat the cause of the problem, additional spider veins or varicose veins are likely to develop.

Won’t I need that vein?

Procedures like sclerotherapy and EVLT act to close down a faulty vein. The vein being closed is dysfunctional and is allowing blood to flow backwards and pool, so leaving it open only makes things worse. The body contains numerous other healthy veins that are still functional and can easily take up the additional flow. Treatment of the faulty veins almost always results in improved blood flow in the overall vein system.

What is the cost of vein treatment?

Procedures like EVLT and Phlebectomy, when shown to be medically necessary, are commonly covered by Medicare and insurance providers. Sclerotherapy for spider veins is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and usually not covered. Consult your insurance provider to determine your exact eligibility and coverage as well as cost.