Were you thinking of getting your vein treatment nearer the year’s end? Too busy enjoying the end of summer? There’s a very good reason why we advise you NOT to delay! It’s to do with those deductibles on your insurance policy!
Let’s look why you need to act sooner rather than later if you’ve been meaning to get some vein treatment. And first, a quick refresher on deductibles!
What are Deductibles, and How Do They Work in the Context of Insurance Policies and Vein Treatments?
We explain all the ins and outs of insurance here. But a deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket for covered medical services before your insurance starts paying. Once the deductible is met, your insurance coverage begins, and your responsibility for payment typically changes (e.g., copayments or coinsurance).
That’s when you need to start making use of your insurance. Otherwise, come next year, you’ll have to start over with meeting the deductible!
Even if you’re only close to meeting your deductible, you still need to start authorizing your vein treatment now.
Obtaining Authorization for Elective Medical Procedures
Prior authorization means the insurance company reviews and approves a proposed medical procedure or treatment before it takes place.
They want to ensure the procedure is medically necessary and covered under your insurance policy. This is more common for elective procedures, which are non-emergency and can be scheduled in advance.
As we’ve mentioned in an earlier blog, more and more vein treatments are being considered non-emergency. That’s another reason to jump this hoop this year.
How the Authorization Process Affects the Timing of Getting Vein Treatment
It can take 2-3 weeks for insurance companies to give their okay for elective procedures. This means you shouldn’t wait until the end of the year if you’ve met your deductible or are close to meeting it.
Waiting until the end of the year can be a hassle, as it might mean:
- having to pay the full vein treatment cost out of pocket with a new year’s deductible
- facing potential insurance coverage changes in the upcoming year
- delays in getting the procedure, which can lead to more serious vein problems
Why Should I Organize My Vein Treatment Now?
Organizing your treatment well before the insurance year ends has several benefits, including
- clearing the authorization process in time for the insurance company to pay for the procedure out of this year’s insurance coverage, and
- avoiding potential changes in the insurance coverage that are coming soon, according to the trends we’ve noticed.
Different Types of Vein Treatment at Denver Vein
If you’re looking for vein treatment in Denver, Denver Vein is the place for you! We offer a range of different treatments tailored to your unique needs, including :
- Endovenous Laser Ablation of the Saphenous Vein (ELAS): A treatment that uses laser heat to close off veins.
- VenaSeal closure system: An injection that uses medical-grade adhesive to close off veins.
- Varithena: An injection with microfoam treatment that collapses the vein.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: This removes varicose veins through tiny punctures in the skin
- Ultrasound Guided Medical Sclerotherapy: The vein is located with an ultrasound machine, and then a sclerosant solution is injected to close it off
If I Delay, What is the Cost of Vein Treatment Without Insurance?
If you miss claiming your insurance coverage this year, the cost of vein treatment – with you meeting the deductible or even all associated costs – can vary widely depending on the
- type of treatment needed,
- severity of the vein condition,
- location of the medical facility, and
- specific healthcare provider you choose.
These can stack up and leave you out of pocket. It makes much more sense to check when you’ve met your deductible and then make use of your insurance company’s coverage for the rest of the year!
Is Vein Treatment Covered by My Insurance Anyway?
Most insurance policies cover medically necessary treatment for veins. If you don’t have insurance, you can still receive treatment, and at Denver Vein we offer financing options to help make the cost of treatment more manageable.
How Can I Pay for My Treatment?
At Denver Vein, we accept most insurances, and our treatments are affordable! As mentioned above, we also offer a wide variety of payment options:
- cash
- check
- credit card
- care credit
- patientFi
- insurance
However, while we’re stressing that you should make use of your insurance coverage if you’ve used your deductible or are close to doing so, there is the opposite case, too…
You may be thinking you can’t afford to pay the deductible this year.
But delay endangers your leg health. Let’s look why – and if it’s worth it.
Long-Term Health Risks of Delaying Treatment Due to Deductible Concerns
When vein treatment is delayed due to worries about paying your deductible, you may inadvertently put your long-term health at risk.
Vein issues, such as varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, can progress and worsen over time if left untreated, leading to:
- Worsening symptoms of pain, discomfort, and swelling in your legs.
- Changes in the skin around the affected veins, such as discoloration, dryness, or rashes, make it uncomfortable and cosmetically undesirable.
- Limited ability to move and exercise due to the pain and discomfort. This can contribute to weight gain, muscle weakness, and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to additional health problems like obesity and cardiovascular issues.
- Increased risk of venous ulcers, which can be challenging to heal and, if infected, can lead to further complications.
- Reduced circulation that, over time, can increase the risk of blood clots. They can be life-threatening if they dislodge and travel to vital organs like the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, as you may become self-conscious about your appearance or frustrated with persistent discomfort.
- Chronic discomfort and limited mobility hindering your ability to work and be productive, potentially affecting your career and financial stability.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
At Denver Vein, we offer a range of vein treatments tailored to your unique needs, and we can help you determine the best treatment option for you.
You’ve paid your deductible, so make good use of your coverage! Be sure to organize your vein treatment well before the end of the year.
Schedule an appointment with us today and take advantage of your insurance coverage before it resets!