Insurance 101: Will My Health Insurance Cover My Varicose Veins?

Listen, we get it! We know how confusing it can be navigating your way through the ever-changing health care industry.

We understand and that’s why we are here for you! At Dr. Lori Greenwald’s Vanishing Veins, we know insurance better than anyone out there and will help you figure out your benefits, what type of coverage you have and how much you will be required to pay out of pocket.

We also know that knowledge is power and that’s why, during the next several weeks, we will be sharing with you information you need to know regarding your insurance coverage and how to get the best possible treatment for your painful varicose veins.

Vanishing Veins’ practice manager Alethea Maddox has been in the health care industry for more than 20 years and knows just how much the insurance industry has changed. In her blog, Insurance 101, she will answer the most commonly asked questions regarding insurance coverage, what to expect when visiting any specialists and how long the approval process can take in general.

Part One:

What’s The Number One Question People Ask:  “Am I covered?”

By Alethea Maddox, Practice Manager, Vanishing Veins

As you know, insurance companies have changed significantly over the years and that it why it is very important that you get all the information from your insurance company so you can fully understand your coverage. The basic question is, we will accept your insurance but will they accept us? That’s the number one question you need to ask your insurance company when you visit any specialist. Your policy is mostly likely very specific when it comes to seeing specialists and how much you will pay for your treatment.

There are two very specific questions that you want to ask your insurance company in order to ensure coverage of your treatments.

1) Benefits – what type of coverage does your insurance policy have for varicose veins?

2) What is your current deductible?

a) How much of that has already been met?

b) How much will you be required to pay out of pocket?

Also, we want you to understand what “medical necessity” means in the insurance company’s eyes. Many times insurance companies will say “yes, Mrs. Smith, you are covered for varicose veins as long as it is medically necessary.”

Now, here’s the tricky part.

Even though you may be in pain, your insurance company may say that’s not enough. You, the patient, feel it’s medically necessary to have certain procedures done. However, due to the fact that the insurance company has specific criteria to meet, they may deem it NOT medically necessary and not cover your visit, leaving you with a bill.

This is exactly why we want you to contact your insurance company to confirm your benefits and coverage before your first office visit. Feel free to speak to any of our staff if you need further assistance. We know insurance better than anyone else out there and will be happy to help you through a roadblock or call the insurance company on your behalf.

Next week on Insurance 101: How soon after my initial visit can I have my varicose vein procedures?