What You Should Really Expect to Pay (And Why It's Worth It)

Varicose veins are not just an aesthetic issue. For many people, they can cause swelling, aching, heavy and even changes to the skin that can affect daily activities. If you've looked into the options for treatment, you've likely encountered endovenous laser therapy as one of the most efficient minimally invasive treatments available today. However, before scheduling for a consultation, the initial concern that pops up in the minds of most people is: what will it cost you?

Let's break it into pieces.

What Is Endovenous Laser Treatment?

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is an procedure in which a small laser fiber is introduced directly into the vein affected via a small cut in the skin. The laser produces heat which causes the vein's walls to break down and then seal. Then, over the next few weeks the vein that is treated naturally accepted by the body and blood flow flows are rerouted through healthy veins that are nearby.

Contrary to traditional vein stripping surgery it is not a massive incisions, no general anesthesia, and there are no long hospital stay. Patients typically leave the clinic on the same day and resume normal life within between 24 and 48 hours.

Breaking Down the Endovenous Laser Treatment Cost

This is where the majority of people are at a loss -- and it's understandable this. The endovenous laser treatment price isn't a fixed universal amount. It varies depending on several important factors.

Geographical place of residence is an important factor. Treatments in large metropolitan areas or in private special clinics can be more expensive than a similar procedure in smaller towns as well as general blood vascular clinics. For example, in the United States, for example the cost ranges between $1500 to $3,000 for each leg. In the UK Private clinic costs generally range from PS1,200 to PS2,500.

The number of veins that are treated will also impact the final cost. If you suffer from multiple impacted veins on both legs, the total endovenous laser treatment cost will be more than treating just one vein in one of the legs.

Type of Clinic and expertise are also important. A board-certified surgeon who operates in a fully-equipped medical facility can charge a different amount than a general physician offering the same services. In the field of the condition of vascular health, being a specialist will pay off.

Diagnostics prior to the procedure like Duplex Ultrasound mapping could be separately charged. This is a crucial imagingit directs the entire procedure however, it can add between $200 and $500 to the total.

Does Insurance Cover Endovenous Laser Treatment?

Many patients are surprised. If varicose veins have caused known medical signs -swelling, pain as well as skin ulcers, blood clots insurance companies, including Medicare across the US and Medicare in the UK, will either completely or in part cover the endovenous laser treatment cost . The most important thing is to get a valid medical certificate from your doctor confirming that the issue is medical, not just cosmetic.

Always request a preauthorization letter from your insurance provider prior to making the appointment. Request your clinic's billing coordinator to supply the correct medical codes. This simple step can save you thousands of dollars.

If the procedure is deemed cosmetic, you'll probably be paying out of your pocket. In this case the majority of clinics provide financing or payment options that can make your endovenous laser procedure cost considerably more manageable over time.

Why the Investment Makes Sense

Think about how varicose veins that are not treated could lead to chronic venous insufficiency deep vein thrombosis (DVT), skin discoloration, as well as ulcers that are not healing in the legs. The cost of addressing these issues physically and financially physically -- is much greater than the cost of laser therapy.

Patients who have undergone EVLT often report remarkable improvements in their comfort, mobility and self-confidence. The possibility to wear shorts again and sleep with no legs cramps or be able to work with no discomfort -- these aren't minor things. They are a significant improvement in your quality of life that no price tag could completely be able to capture.

The endovenous laser's costs is also competitive against older surgical options. Traditional stripping procedures require general anesthesia, hospitalization and several weeks of recuperation. EVLT is performed with local anesthesia in less than an hour and has minimal downtime and comparable sometimes superior -- long-term results.

How to Get the Best Value

Begin by having a consult with a vascular clinic that is certified. Request an itemized estimate that includes ultrasound mapping and the procedure itself along with compression stockings for any subsequent appointments. Make sure to compare at minimum two or three different providers before making a final decision.

Be sure to read your insurance policy thoroughly. If you've had symptoms for more than three months, you might qualify for coverage under medical insurance.

Don't let the endovenous laser treatment cost solely determine your choice. Select a reputable expert who has a track record of success in EVLT. A little more expensive cost at the right clinic is usually an investment better rather than a cheap procedure with unproven results.