Nov 15, 2022 | Leg Care, News
Varicose veins are the larger, often bulging and twisting veins you often see on legs. They can be very painful or simply annoying.
If you’re wondering, will Medicare cover your varicose vein treatment, this blog post contains information you need to know.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart from the feet.
Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins become damaged. When this occurs, blood no longer flows effortlessly through the veins. Instead, blood moves in two directions and may even pool in the veins.
This causes the veins to become stressed—they become larger and chronic venous insufficiency develops. The resulting varicose veins cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and itching.
Varicose veins are more often found in women. But it’s not at all unusual for men to have varicose veins too.
If you are over 65 and on Medicare, you’re most likely covered for varicose vein treatment. This treatment will restore your veins to good health and put a stop to the annoying symptoms you endure daily.
Following is some information about Medicare that answers the question, “Will Medicare cover varicose vein treatment?”
Who Qualifies for Medicare?
Medicare is a very helpful, but initially confusing, insurance program.
Here are some basic helpful facts.
Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program for:
- People over 65
- People under 65 with specific disabilities
- People with permanent kidney failure that needs specific types of care
When Should You Sign Up for Medicare?
It’s advised that you sign up for Medicare 3 months before you are 65. This gives ample time to be included in the system.
If you were already eligible for Medicare but didn’t sign up, you can sign up during Medicare’s General Enrollment Period. This enrollment period lasts from January 1 to March 31 of each year. It’s starting soon!
There are also Special Enrollment Periods covering other specific situations.
The Different Parts of Medicare Explained
Part A covers inpatient hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home health care, and more. They automatically enroll you in it if you are already receiving Social Security.
Part B covers doctors’ visits and services, outpatient care, many preventive services, and other services not covered by Part A. You must pay a premium with Part B, so you have the option of turning it down. You are not automatically enrolled. You must request it.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans allow private health insurance companies to cover the services that are usually covered under Medicare Part A and Part B. The coverage terms differ from regular Part A and Part B Medicare. Plan coverage will differ from plan to plan—and will not necessarily conform with Part A and Part B coverage terms. Learn about these plans to see if they work for you. If they do, contact the specific insurance company for enrollment.
Part D plans cover both brand-name prescription drugs and generic drugs. Plans will vary, and you should check out which plans offer the best payment for medicines you are already taking and may need in the future. Enroll by contacting the specific insurance company.
How to Sign Up for Medicare
If you haven’t already, create a Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Afterwards, you can sign up for Medicare online.
Or you can apply for Medicare at Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.
For more information about your current Medicare vein treatment coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Will Medicare Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?
Medicare will cover varicose vein treatment if is determined that it’s a medical necessity. This usually goes for Medicare Part C Advantage Plans as well—but individual plans will vary.
So, what makes up a medical necessity with varicose veins?
A “medical necessity” is determined by a vein doctor.
Varicose vein problems will probably be called a “medical necessity” if:
- Vein related symptoms hurt your quality of life
- You experience common varicose vein symptoms such as pain, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, burning and/or cramping
- Ultrasound, or other imaging, diagnosed venous reflux
- There is bleeding from the veins
- You have related blood clots
- There is phlebitis in the veins
- You suffer with ulcers from veins
In most of these cases, patients must try conservative treatment for 6-12 weeks without good results. These treatments can include:
- Leg elevation
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Ice/heat packs
- Compression stockings
Venous reflux also causes Spider veins, so they are often considered a medical necessity as well.
Which Vein Treatments Does Medicare Cover?
When deemed a medical necessity by your doctor, Medicare Part B will cover a range of varicose vein treatments at 80%. Usually your Medigap plan (additional insurance by a private company) will cover the rest.
Medicare Advantage plans need to be consulted separately.
Medicare covered vein treatments include:
- Sclerotherapy for varicose veins
- Micro sclerotherapy
- Endovenous ablation therapy
- Endoscopic vein surgery
- Laser vein surgery
Varithena is an injectable microfoam used with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for varicose vein treatments. Most patients find this varicose vein treatment nearly painless! Medicare usually covers vein treatment with Varithena when treatment is a medical necessity.
At New Jersey Varicose Vein Center (NJVVC), we offer state-of-the-art treatment for varicose veins, including treatment with Varithena.
If you want more information on insurance and varicose veins, you’ll find “Does Health Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?” helpful.
Visit Us at NJVVC for Your Vein Diagnosis
It’s easy to find out if Medicare considers your varicose vein treatment to be a “medical necessity.”
Simply visit us at the NJVVC and have an onsite evaluation and diagnosis performed solely by our doctor, Stuart Miller, MD.
Dr. Miller is an experienced and well-respected endovascular surgeon.
He trained in Internal Medicine at Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Later, he completed a second residency in Radiology at Dartmouth. Afterwards he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology.
Dr. Miller has been practicing in New Jersey for over 20 years, and now sees patients in Morris and Sussex counties.
Schedule your varicose vein consultation today at New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center to see if Medicare will cover your vein treatment. There’s no need to continue to suffer with varicose veins.
Oct 17, 2022 | Leg Care, News
There’s an old saying, “You are what you eat.” This is particularly true for vein health. If you have been wondering about diet and varicose veins, you’ll be interested to learn what’s the connection.
While a great diet can’t remove varicose veins, it can lessen symptoms and support better vein health in the future. It can even slow the development of varicose veins.
Diet Affects Varicose Vein Health
It may not surprise you to learn there’s a connection between diet and varicose vein health. But did you know, this connection is quite strong?
The healthier your diet choices are, the healthier your veins will be.
And, adjusting your diet for greater vein health will also have a positive effect on your heart health, blood pressure, and more!
A healthful vein-supporting diet will:
- Improve blood circulation
- Support blood vessels
- Keep vein pressure to a healthy minimum
If you already have varicose veins, a good diet can lessen the severity of symptoms and possibly keep more varicose veins from developing.
How to Adjust Your Diet for Varicose Vein Health
What to Avoid
You should avoid foods that are highly processed and contain lots of salt.
Salty foods and many highly processed foods cause the body to increase its volume of fluids. This places more pressure on varicose veins and impedes blood circulation.
Not getting enough fiber in your diet, causes constipation in your digestive system—a common contributor to the development of varicose veins.
Show your veins you love them by avoiding:
- Sugar—contributes to weight gain
- Processed meats—causes water retention
- Salt—adds pressure to veins
- Dairy—can cause constipation
- Fried foods—clogs arteries and reduces blood flow
Here’s how drinking alcohol affects vein health.
What to Include in Your Diet
One key to having healthy veins is to make sure your diet supports good blood circulation.
Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and nutrients goes a long way to support vein health.
In dealing with diet and varicose veins, the good news is that vein-friendly foods are common and easy to find in your local grocery store.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are great for your body and support good vein health.
Many fruits are chock full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They also contain many nutrients that support vein health as well and keep blood vessels from leaking.
Citrus fruits, including oranges and lemons, are bursting with vitamin C and help reduce swelling in varicose veins. Reduced swelling means much less pain in your legs after a long day of standing or sitting in one place.
Fruits also are high in fiber and reduce constipation.
Some fruits and vegetables to include in your diet for improved vein health are:
- Avocados
- Beets
- Grapes
- Kale
- Berries
- Black Olives
- Ginger
Fiber
Foods with fiber help prevent constipation. Constipation promotes varicose vein development since it increases pressure on veins.
Fiber-rich foods also help keep cholesterol levels low and blood pressure at a healthy level.
Onions
Chopping onions may make your eyes tear, but they contain many nutrients that will make your body happy.
Onions contain Vitamin B6, zinc, fiber, and many nutrients that help your blood circulation.
Enjoy them in green salads and other healthful dishes.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient that promotes circulation and supports the body’s immune system.
If you don’t get enough copper, veins become less elastic. This makes the veins more likely to swell and gradually weaken.
There are many significant dietary sources of copper, including:
- Beef liver
- Almonds
- Asparagus
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are anti-inflammatories that do great things for your body and veins. They help treat osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Along with vein health, they also support blood circulation and heart health.
They will not only reduce vein swelling but help to strengthen vein walls.
Rutin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid that protects blood vessels and has anti-inflammatory properties to protect against blood clots.
It’s found in apples and asparagus and many other fruits and vegetables.
Some additional sources of bioflavonoids include:
- Dark chocolate
- Grapes
- Kidney beans
Here’s more information on top foods for improved circulation and vein health.
You may also be interested in these additional diet tips for keeping veins healthy.
Additional Steps to Take for Vein Health
Drink Plenty of Water
Good hydration will help keep your circulatory system runny smoothly. It helps keep blood volume constant, flushes out waste from the system, and makes varicose veins feel better.
Water and fiber together work to keep bloating to a minimum and prevent constipation.
Physical Activity
A good tip for improved circulatory health and healthy veins is to have daily physical activity. This keeps the blood in your veins moving and helps keep veins healthy.
Of course, you never want to overdo it. Your doctor can recommend a good exercise program for you. Even walking every day will provide great benefits for your veins.
Do You Have Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are those thick raised veins that people often see on their legs and feet. They can cause many physical symptoms, including pain, itchiness, and swelling.
Read more about varicose veins here.
If you have varicose veins, a screening can tell you how these veins are affecting your overall health. You can also learn about pain-free, proven treatments to eliminate your varicose veins.
Contact us at NJVVC for a free varicose vein screening.
Jul 29, 2022 | Leg Care, News
You’ve seen them before. And now you’re seeing them again! Those pesky, unattractive spider veins.
Perhaps you originally had them around your ankles or on your thighs and you sought treatment.
Now they seem to have reappeared, and you’re asking, can spider veins come back after treatment?
About Spider Veins
Spider veins are those thin red or blue veins on your skin’s surface.
You will commonly find spider veins on thighs and calves. They also appear on the face and breasts.
Spider veins can be itchy and annoying, or cause legs to feel slightly tired. But they are rarely painful and are almost always harmless.
Today, doctors consider sclerotherapy the best treatment for the removal of spider veins. But this isn’t always the medical procedure performed.
Reasons Spider Veins Return
There are several reasons spider veins return, or at least seem to return.
But what happens most often is that new spider veins develop in the same area after treatment.
So, it’s not that the spider veins that were treated are returning. Rather, new spider veins show up and are mistaken for the original veins.
Reasons spider veins return in the same area include:
- A person has venous insufficiency, so deeper, untreated veins are causing the development of new spider veins
- A person’s body doesn’t properly regulate new vein formation
- The person continues with activities that cause spider veins, such as long periods of sitting or standing, or staying obese
- Saline or skin laser was improperly used to treat them
- Genetics
Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is a progressive vein disease. A vein specialist can treat it, but venous insufficiency will not go away on its own.
If a person has venous insufficiency, the underlying varicose veins combined with an increase in venous pressure encourage the development of new spider veins.
So new spider veins form.
It seems like the old ones are returning, but they’re not.
Doctors can diagnose venous insufficiency with a simple, painless ultrasound of your legs. This will show whether your vein valves are working correctly, and whether you have this condition.
Spider vein treatment should be delayed until this test is performed. If the cause of the spider veins is indeed venous insufficiency, the underlying veins need to be treated first.
If the underlying problem remains untreated, the spider veins are sure to return.
And venous insufficiency needs to be treated for health reasons.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLT) or Varithena, a micro-foam sclerosant, are favored ways to treat venous insufficiency.
The spider vein won’t be under pressure once the varicose vein receives treatment. At that time, sclerotherapy can treat the spider veins successfully.
If spider veins recur after sclerotherapy, they usually come back in a much less severe form. This happens quite some time after the sclerotherapy procedure.
Genetics and Hormones
If your genetic makeup is encouraging the development of spider veins, trying to get rid of them is an uphill battle.
How do you know your spider veins are caused by genetics?
The easiest way to find out is to ask immediate family members if they’re developing spider veins, too. If they are, you have your answer!
If they aren’t, your spider veins may still be genetic. But the good news is that spider veins caused by genetics are no reason for any health concerns.
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause can also encourage the development of spider veins.
Laser Therapy
Some doctors use laser therapy as a treatment for spider veins.
Many patients find this procedure to be painful since heat is applied directly to the skin. It also takes a longer time to treat a small area.
Lasers can also cause hypopigmentation—a loss of melanin in the skin.
But most discouraging is that if the laser doesn’t produce enough heat to seal the vein, the procedure will fail. For this reason, you will need additional treatments.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the state-of-the-art treatment for spider veins.
It is considerably more effective and faster than laser treatment. And you don’t feel pain.
During sclerotherapy, the doctor injects a solution or sclerosing agent into the vein.
This causes the vein to scar and collapse. Eventually, you can no longer see the vein since it is resorbed by the body.
Sodium chloride is no longer considered an acceptable sclerosing agent. It can be painful for the patient and can cause serious complications.
Eighty percent of spider veins treated by visual sclerotherapy usually disappear in three to six weeks. So even one treatment of sclerotherapy will create noticeable results.
Patients may need new treatments every few years if new spider veins appear.
How Can You Keep Spider Veins from Recurring?
Are there things you can do after treatment to keep more spider veins from developing?
The answer is yes.
They include:
- Exercising your legs regularly
- Staying at or getting to a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Wearing compression stockings or socks
If you want to learn more about spider veins, read:
If you are seeking effective, safe, and comfortable treatment for your spider veins, contact us at NJVVC.
Jun 22, 2022 | Leg Care, News
Are you thinking about adding leg exfoliation to your beauty routine? If so, you’re on the right track. Leg exfoliation is an easy way to get softer, smoother, more attractive legs. But there are important things to know. Before you chose your exfoliation method, read our leg exfoliation pros and cons.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells.
Our skin creates fresh skin cells monthly. But sometimes old skin cells remain, giving the skin a flaky, rough appearance. Exfoliation gently removes these dead cells. It also inspires new skin cell growth.
The Benefits of Exfoliation for Your Legs
Some benefits of exfoliation are legs that:
- Look softer, smoother, and more polished
- Look brighter
- Look younger
- Have improved circulation by bringing blood to the skin’s surface
- Can have a reduction in the appearance of cellulite
- Have increased collagen production over time
- Will better absorb skin moisturizers
- Develop fewer shaving-related ingrown hairs
Moisturizing Your Legs Isn’t Enough
Putting moisturizer or oils over dry, flaky skin won’t help much. That’s because these products can’t penetrate dry and scaly skin cells. Most of the moisturizer simply sits on top of the dry skin. This helps nothing. And you’re throwing money away.
But exfoliate your legs and watch them drink in the moisture.
Exfoliate Safely
Sometimes you can get too much of a good thing. Even drinking too much water each day can have a negative effect on your body. You don’t want to exfoliate every day. Your skin needs time to recover. Exfoliate at healthy intervals.
Your exfoliation products should work for your skin type. Is your skin dry, normal, or oily?
Then, be sure to apply moisturizer after exfoliation to avoid dryness or irritation. The best time to moisturize is just out of the shower when the skin is slightly damp.
Know Your Skin Type
If you exfoliate too harshly, or too often, for your skin type, your skin can become reddened or even damaged.
If your skin is sensitive, it may sting or burn after exfoliation. This is your skin’s way of telling you to be gentler.
If your skin is dry and flaky, you may be tempted to over exfoliate and irritate deeper layers of skin. When you exfoliate manually, use a gentle massaging touch—never scrub.
If your body is well hydrated, it will respond to exfoliation better.
Remember These Exfoliation Tips
- Never exfoliate right after shaving
- Don’t exfoliate over a sunburn
- Don’t exfoliate over an open cut or broken skin
- Do give special attention to knees and ankles
- Massage legs at the same time to improve circulation
Also, never exfoliate if you easily get dark spots on your skin from bug bites.
There are Two Types of Exfoliation
When you exfoliate your legs, you can use either a physical exfoliation method or chemical exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliation uses gentle acids or enzymes to dissolve the dead skin.
Know the pros and cons of each method to find which one works best for your skin.
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation uses a tool to remove dead skin cells. You can also use a mineral salt scrub.
Pros
- Works well for normal, thicker, more resilient skin
Cons
- Is rougher than chemical exfoliation because it involves gentle scrubbing
Four Tools Used for Physical Exfoliation
1. Loofahs
A natural loofah is a dried tropical gourd.
Pros
- Gently and effectively exfoliates dead skin
- Doesn’t irritate healthy skin
- Can buy in bulk and change frequently for safety
Cons
- Is a breeding ground for bacteria
- Can trap bacteria in pores during exfoliation
- Can be the source of infections
- Holds dead skin cells and old dirt and grime
2. Dry Brush Exfoliation
Includes use of a shower brush or natural bath bristle. Use it on dry skin. Brush skin upward toward the heart.
Pros
- Excellent for normal, non-sensitive, skin
- Provides a more rigorous exfoliation, if needed
- Can easily control exfoliation pressure
- Will increase circulation
Cons
- Even light pressure may be too harsh for sensitive skin
- Can cause irritation or bleeding if overused in certain area
3. Exfoliating Gloves
Pros
- Gentle on the skin with no redness or irritation
Cons
- If they develop an odor, you need a new pair
- Must wash out and let dry completely after each use
4. Mineral Salt Scrubs
First, rinse skin in warm water. Then apply scrub to legs by hand with a circular motion. Rinse off in a cool shower.
Pros
- Can use up to two times a week
- Exfoliates and cleanses
- Helps with skin circulation and detoxification
- Softens skin and improves hydration
Cons
- Can be irritating if done more than 2-3 times/week
- Does not moisturize the skin
Chemical Exfoliation
You can buy chemical exfoliants which are made of mild acids.
Different chemical exfoliants include:
- AHA acids like glycolic or lactic acids, derived from fruit, sugar or milk, are good for dry or sensitive skin; can use them every other week
- BHA acids, like salicylic acid, are good for oily, acne-prone skin
- Extremely mild enzyme-based acids are derived from fruits
Pros
- Gentler than physical exfoliation
- Good for sensitive or skin
- Can use with a gentle washcloth
- Does not involve scrubbing
- Can moisturize skin and will not over-dry it
- Can help prevent ingrown hairs
Cons
- It’s important to follow label directions to avoid irritation or dark spots
Look for Spider Veins on Your Legs
Now that you’re focusing on making your legs more beautiful, take time out to look for spider veins.
Spider veins appear near the surface of the skin. They usually appear as thin red, blue, or purple lines on the ankles, thighs, or calf.
They rarely cause any health problems, but they are unsightly.
You cannot remove spider veins with exfoliation, but they can be removed with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no anesthesia.
And you can usually exfoliate your legs once the injection site has fully healed.
Contact us at NJVVC for more information.
You may also like, “Spider Veins on Ankles and How to Treat Them.”
May 24, 2022 | Leg Care, News
Summer is the time to relax and have fun. Whether you’re lounging around the pool or shopping in your local farmer’s market, you want to look and feel your best. Before the heat sends us running for shorts, sundresses, and bathing suits, is a great time to get your legs ready for summer.
Here are some ways to get your legs looking their best and feeling great.
Get Rid of Unsightly Spider Veins or Varicose Veins
While spider veins and varicose veins usually don’t pose a health risk, they are never attractive to look at. And varicose veins can make your legs feel achy, heavy, and tired. They can ruin your lazy strolls through unexplored towns or make you self-conscious about showing off your summer legs.
The good news is that there are treatments available which can eliminate these unsightly and sometimes painful veins. Now is a great time to have a consultation with a vein specialist to see what they can do to eliminate them.
Happily, there are minimally invasive outpatient procedures that can reduce or eliminate both spider and varicose veins.
Procedure and recovery times are short, and the results make you feel and look fabulous!
Exfoliate Your Legs
There’s no time like the present to exfoliate the dry skin on your legs. The cold winter temperatures and harsh indoor heating may have left your skin feeling tight, dull, and dry.
An easy way to rejuvenate the look of your legs, and give them a fresh summer glow, is to exfoliate your legs.
Exfoliate once a week if your skin is dry or sensitive, or more frequently, if your skin is oily.
Cleansing scrubs and loofahs work wonders in the bath or shower.
When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells and keep them from building up on the skin. This makes room for the fresh new skin cells that appear every 27 days or so.
After removing the dead skin cells from your legs, be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer; exfoliation can sometimes leave your skin feeling drier or sensitive.
Exfoliation not only makes your skin look better but also helps your skin absorb moisturizers. Without removing the dead skin cells, moisturizers only sit on top of the skin and cannot do their important work below the surface.
It’s important to know that exfoliation can make your skin more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays. So be extra sure to use sunscreen on your legs when you go outside.
Apply Moisturizer
Moisturizing your legs year-round will keep the skin soft and glowing.
Moisturize every day right after your shower while your skin is still damp. This will keep your skin well hydrated.
But be sure not to over moisturize your legs. It’s possible for your skin to become dependent on the moisturizer and create less moisture on its own.
Stop Taking Long Hot Showers
Long hot showers are extremely relaxing, but they can make your skin feel dry and tight.
Prolonged exposure to hot water will not only remove too much natural oil from your skin, but it can make your legs swell.
When you shower, keep the water temperature a bit lower—especially after a day of summer heat.
And at the very end of your shower, try an invigorating cooler rinse. This will help muscles and increase vein function.
Improve Your Nutrition
With all the fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit available, the summer is a natural time to improve your diet. Your skin and body will benefit from good nutrition.
Foods that will improve your overall skin health include:
- Antioxidants—found in berries
- Vitamin E—found in almonds and sunflower seeds
- Omega-6 fatty acids—found in soybeans and corn
- Omega-3 fatty acids—found in salmon and mackerel
Eat lean meats and fish to get lots of healthy fats and protein.
Good nutrition also contributes to vein health in your legs and feet.
Vitamin C keeps veins strong and increases your body’s manufacturing of collagen and elastin.
Flavonoids can reduce swelling and aches related to varicose veins. Rutin, a powerful flavonoid, is found in cranberries, grapes, oranges, and asparagus.
Stay Hydrated
It’s always important to stay well hydrated, but it’s particularly important to stay hydrated during the summer months. People lose lots of fluid through sweating, which makes dehydration even more likely.
Drinking too little water can cause leg and abdominal cramps and urinary and kidney problems.
Signs of dehydration include:
- muscle cramps
- dry mouth
- extreme fatigue
- heat intolerance
- excessive thirst
- feeling light-headed
A simple rule of thumb is to strive for eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily—and even more in the warmer months.
Exercise Your Legs for Better Health
Strong leg muscles are important for your overall health. They not only help keep your legs attractive and less prone to injury—they also help manage arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
In the summer, strong and well-toned legs look great and make it easier and more fun to participate in summer activities.
Keep legs strong by exercising them year-round. If you don’t enjoy going to the gym, try walking. Walking every day is a great way to build leg strength and endurance.
Try to aim for 5 miles a day, but any amount of walking helps.
Select a Hair Removal Method
There are many ways to remove leg hair. If you’re not a big fan of razors, with their accompanying burns and cuts, you can try various depilatory products, an epilator, or even waxing.
Laser hair removal also is a popular alternative for removing hair from legs. However, even laser hair removal isn’t permanent. The time the treatments last will depend on your age, skin type, and other factors.
Now that you know how to get your legs ready for summer, enjoy these blog posts on summer skin and vein care:
