Medical Data to support repeat ultrasound quided sclerotherapy

My insurance carrier recently changed its policy. It used to grant 3 sclerotherapy sessions, now they state repeat sessions are not medically indicated. However, this is not listed in their policy on varicose veins. I need data to fight this.

Answers from doctors (3)


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

I'm not aware of any specific data supporting repeat sessions, but it is generally understood that sclerotherapy frequently requires repeat sessions.
If you're speaking about sclerotherapy of spider veins however, these are generally cosmetic in nature and our carriers here generally do not cover this service at all.
Hor ultrasound guided sclerotherapy of deeper veins, this can certainly require repeat sessions.
Furthermore there are limitations to the amounts of sclerosant that can be used in a single session and I generally do multiple sessions if a large number of veins need treatment.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

I'm not aware of any specific data supporting repeat sessions, but it is generally understood that sclerotherapy frequently requires repeat sessions.
If you're speaking about sclerotherapy of spider veins however, these are generally cosmetic in nature and our carriers here generally do not cover this service at all.
Hor ultrasound guided sclerotherapy of deeper veins, this can certainly require repeat sessions.
Furthermore there are limitations to the amounts of sclerosant that can be used in a single session and I generally do multiple sessions if a large number of veins need treatment.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

The policies of insurance carriers are driven by several things. Medically necessary sclerotherapy such as ultrasound guided sealing of incompetent perforator veins which are symptomatic (causing painful varicose veins, ulceration of the skin, bleeding varicose or spider veins) are part of the medically necessary treatments. Unfortunately many providers do submit "cosmetic" sclerotherapy and therefore have caused those with medical issues be denied.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

The policies of insurance carriers are driven by several things. Medically necessary sclerotherapy such as ultrasound guided sealing of incompetent perforator veins which are symptomatic (causing painful varicose veins, ulceration of the skin, bleeding varicose or spider veins) are part of the medically necessary treatments. Unfortunately many providers do submit "cosmetic" sclerotherapy and therefore have caused those with medical issues be denied.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 15, 2011

Most insurance companies are becoming very restrictive on allowing sclerotherapy. If sclerotherapy is requested as part of an overall vein treatment including laser/RF ablation, it may be approved. If sclerotherapy is done strictly for spider veins, this is usually considered cosmetic and will not be covered. Each insurance company has individual policies and within those policies are further restrictions depending on deductibles, allowed coverages, etc.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Most insurance companies are becoming very restrictive on allowing sclerotherapy. If sclerotherapy is requested as part of an overall vein treatment including laser/RF ablation, it may be approved. If sclerotherapy is done strictly for spider veins, this is usually considered cosmetic and will not be covered. Each insurance company has individual policies and within those policies are further restrictions depending on deductibles, allowed coverages, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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