FAQ
These are some of the most common questions we are asked during private consultations and over the phone:
- Is varicose vein or spider vein treatment covered by insurance?If you have symptomatic vein disease, most insurance companies and Medicare will cover the consultation and diagnostic ultrasound examination. If the examination reveals incompetence of the major veins, further treatment by endovenous laser is also covered by all major insurance PPO’s and Medicare. We are in network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, United Health Care PPO, Cigna PPO, Aetna PPO, Humana PPO, and all others.
Read our Insurance Policy » Do I pay at the time of service or do you file a insurance claim for me?
For symptomatic varicose vein disease, the consultation and diagnostic ultrasound is usually a covered benefit. Therefore, our insurance specialists will file a claim to your insurance carrier on your behalf. Based upon diagnostic ultrasound, further treatment by endovenous laser may be indicated, and we will seek pre-approval from your insurance company before rendering treatment.
I do not have insurance. Can I still see Dr. Garg or Dr. Ashpole?
Yes. If you are uninsured, we provide you a discount of up to 50%. Your initial vein evaluation is free of charge, and if we determine that you need a diagnostic ultrasound examination that cost is reduced to approximately $300. If further treatment is indicated, these fees will be deducted from the cost of your treatment.
We are able to provide you this discount because it saves us a considerable amount of time in administrative paperwork to file insurance claims. We happily pass this cost savings to our patients. Patients with high deductibles may also feel free to choose this option.
I have varicose veins. What treatment options do I have?
In brief, you have three options:
- You can use thigh-high graduated support stockings, which do not remove or cure varicose veins but may provide symptomatic relief and slow the progression of the disease.
- You may consider surgical stripping of the veins. The traditional varicose vein treatment, surgical stripping is usually carried out under general or spinal anesthesia in the hospital where incisions are made along the course of the vein and the vein is stripped out in pieces. The surgical incisions are closed by stitches. The recovery time may be two to three weeks and the procedure leaves multiple small scars on the legs.
- The latest treatment for varicose veins is a procedure called EVLT. This procedure is done in our office under topical or local anesthesia, takes about 30 minutes, has minimal or no downtime and does not leave scars on your legs. Immediately after the procedure, you can drive home, return to work, and resume your normal routine. During EVLT, a laser fiber is threaded along the course of the diseased vein and the fiber is pulled out slowly, resulting in closure of the vein.
What happens to my circulation when the veins are removed or closed?
Before we provide any treatment, a detailed ultrasonic examination is carried out to detect diseased veins. Diseased veins have damaged valves and do not take blood back up to your heart efficiently. In fact, blood may start flowing in the opposite direction, causing ulceration, skin breakdown, bleeding, and discoloration. This is indicative of advanced vein disease, and treatment at this stage may be more difficult.
Do you provide financing and treatment plans?
Yes, we provide flexible payment plans and interest-free financing.
What is the cost of endovenous laser?
The cost of the treatment cannot be determined without an in-person consultation. The treatment plan depends on the severity of your disease.
What is the treatment for spider veins, and is it covered by insurance?
The treatment of pure spider veins is usually considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. Treatment is done by a procedure called sclerotherapy, which costs $396 per session, and multiple sessions are normally needed.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by backflow of blood in the veins due to damaged or faulty veins. The risk factors include genetics, family history, pregnancy, and certain professions like waiters/waitresses, teachers, drivers, nurses, or anyone who spends a lot of time sitting or standing.
How are you different than other vein doctors?
Dr. Narendra Garg is double board-certified. He is one of the few physicians to have earned Diplomate status from the American Board of Phlebology. Dr. Garg has performed thousands of endovenous laser procedures, and his expertise has been featured on television. We have performed over 4,000 EVLT procedures, making us one of the most experienced practices in the state of Illinois. We are also one of the only vein clinics in the state to have a board-certified plastic surgeon on staff, and collectively, we maintain privileges at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora, and St. Alexius Hospital in Hoffman Estates. To accommodate our patients’ busy schedules, we offer evening, Saturday, and Sunday appointments. Our goal is to provide you the best results in the least amount of treatments possible.