Listen, we get it! We know how confusing it can be navigating your way through the ever-changing healthcare industry. Between rising premiums, shifting networks, and the fine print of “medical necessity,” trying to find relief for your leg pain can feel like a part-time job.
We understand, and that’s why we are here for you! At Dr. Lori Greenwald’s Vanishing Veins, we pride ourselves on knowing insurance better than anyone else in the field. Our goal is to demystify the process, helping you figure out your specific benefits, the depth of your coverage, and exactly how much you will be required to pay out of pocket.
Knowledge is power. Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing the essential information you need to navigate insurance coverage and secure the best possible treatment for your painful varicose veins in Windsor. Leading this initiative is Alethea Maddox, our Practice Manager. With over 20 years in the healthcare industry, Alethea has seen the evolution of insurance firsthand and knows exactly how to “go to bat” for our patients.
Part One: The Number One Question, “Am I Covered?”
When a patient calls our office, the very first question is almost always: “Am I covered?” It seems like a straightforward question, but in the world of modern insurance, the answer is layered. To understand your coverage, you first have to understand the difference between cosmetic and medically necessary care.
The “Medical Necessity” Threshold
Insurance companies generally view vein care through two different lenses:
- Medically Necessary: If your veins are causing physical symptoms (such as persistent pain, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, or skin ulcers) treatment is typically covered.
- Cosmetic: If you are seeking treatment solely for the appearance of small spider veins without any physical discomfort, insurance will almost always label this as “cosmetic,” meaning you would be responsible for the cost.
At Vanishing Veins, our first step is a complete evaluation. Dr. Greenwald, a board-certified vascular surgeon, uses her decades of expertise to determine if your condition meets the clinical criteria for insurance coverage.
Why Expertise Matters: The Vanishing Veins Approach
Navigating insurance requires more than just filling out forms; it requires clinical excellence and advocacy. Dr. Lori Greenwald has been recognized as one of America’s top surgeons for vascular surgery. This level of expertise is vital because insurance companies require specific, high-quality data to approve your claim.
Our Specialized Services
When medical necessity is established, we offer a range of advanced, minimally invasive procedures that are widely recognized by major insurers:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A sophisticated technique using heat to seal diseased veins and redirect flow to healthy ones.
- Microphlebectomy: The physical removal of large, bulging surface veins through tiny, “stitch-less” incisions.
- VenaSeal™: A cutting-edge “medical glue” used to close veins without the need for heat or multiple numbing injections.
- Diagnostic Ultrasound: Performed in our ICAVL-accredited laboratory, guaranteeing the highest standards of accuracy required for insurance authorization.
The “Conservative Management” Requirement
Many patients are surprised to learn that even if they have “great insurance,” most providers require a “trial of conservative management” before they will approve a procedure. This is a mandatory period (usually 6 to 12 weeks) where you must document that you have tried non-surgical methods to alleviate your symptoms.
These measures typically include:
- Compression Therapy: Wearing medical-grade compression stockings.
- Leg Elevation: Propping your feet up several times a day.
- Exercise and Weight Loss: Encouraging better circulation through movement.
- Anti-inflammatories: Using over-the-counter medications like Advil to manage pain.
The Vanishing Veins Advantage: We don’t just tell you to go do this; we help you document it. Our vein specialists in Newington can fit you for compression hose right in our office, saving you an extra trip and making sure your insurance has the exact documentation they need to move forward.
Decoding the Jargon: Deductibles, Copays, and Coinsurance
Even if your procedure is “covered,” you likely have some financial responsibility. Alethea and her team work tirelessly to explain these three key terms to every patient:
| Term | What it Means for You |
| Deductible | The amount you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance starts paying for anything. |
| Copay | A fixed dollar amount (e.g., $40) you pay at each visit. |
| Coinsurance | Your share of the costs of a healthcare service, usually a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the total cost. |
Because Vanishing Veins has over 40 years of combined experience working with carriers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare, we can often give you a very accurate estimate of these costs before you ever sit down for a procedure.
The Approval Process: How Long Does It Take?
Once we have completed your initial consultation and diagnostic ultrasound, and once you have finished your trial of conservative management, we submit a prior authorization request.
In general, it takes about 4 weeks to receive a final decision from an insurance company. We track these requests daily. If an insurance company denies a claim they should have approved, Dr. Greenwald often performs a “Peer-to-Peer” review, where she speaks directly with the insurance company’s medical director to advocate for your care.
Why Choose a Specialist for Your Vein Health?
There is a major difference between a “vein clinic” and a complete vascular center. Vanishing Veins combines the touch of a woman with the expertise of a surgeon. We don’t just treat the visible veins; we treat the underlying disease.
Our facility is designed to feel more like a spa than a sterile hospital, but make no mistake; our diagnostic tools and surgical suites are state-of-the-art. By choosing a board-certified specialist who understands the “Insurance 101” of vein care, you make sure that your treatment is medically sound, ethically diagnosed, and financially transparent.
Contact us today to get the care you deserve.
This post was updated 2/19/26.
