Patients who suffer from varicose veins or other venous disorders may be required to wear compression stockings as part of their treatment. Compression stockings can be expensive; however they may be covered by your medical coverage. When buying stockings online patients must pay for the stockings first then pursue reimbursement from the insurance company.

Not all insurance companies will cover compression stockings even when prescribed by a physician. However many will. An example is Medicare Plan B will not cover compression stockings but many Medicare Supplement plans will. Patients are sometimes intimated by these big insurance companies and simply will not pursue reimbursement.  Obtaining reimbursement can be relatively simple. The key is to follow the insurance company’s rules. The following will help the patient obtain reimbursement for their compression stockings.

If you are a Veteran and have VA benefits who should contact your local Veterans’ Affairs office and inquire if they will cover the purchase of compression stockings. They will have their own set of rules that may include purchase from a registered contractor for the Federal Government. The Laser Vein Center.com is a registered contractor.

First, contact your insurance company before you buy any compression stockings. The phone number of the customer service department of your insurance company can be found of your insurance card.  Each insurance company has their own set of rules for what they will cover. These rules may include certain compression levels they will cover (most will not cover compression stocking levels under 20-30 mmHg), how many pairs they will cover and weather a written prescription from your physician is required.

After obtaining this information, ask about the reimbursement process. Most insurance companies have a specific reimbursement form that the patient must complete. If you need some help with this contact your physician’s office for help. Obtain the reimbursement form as well as a list of required documents that are needed for reimbursement. These may include a receipt for the compression stockings and/or a written prescription from your physician. Confirm with your insurance if they will accept a copy of these documents or is the original is required. Either way always keep copies of all documents including the reimbursement form.

You are now ready to purchase your compression stockings.  Be sure to buy the stockings that are required by your insurance company. If this happens to be different from your physician’s prescription contact your physician. They will often change their prescription to meet the insurance requirements.  Always buy stockings at a reputable store or online web site.  When buying online make sure the site has a contact phone number where you can call and ask questions or assure you will receive the proper receipt. Never buy from a web site that does not provide a contact phone number.

After the insurance formed is completed and required documentation is received send all to your insurance company at the address stated of the form. Remember always keep a copy. Mail your documents by U S Mail and require a signature confirmation (frequently these forms are never received by the insurance company) in order to confirm they received them.  You will receive notice of either payment or denial within 30 days. If you are denied call the insurance company and ask to speak to a supervisor and ask why.  Keep pursuing the insurance company until you are satisfied with the reimbursement you are due.

Manufacturers of compression stockings have combined the use of modern technologies and materials to produce a wide variety of compression stockings. Compression stockings are available in various styles ranging from knee high and thigh high compression stockings, pantyhose and compression stockings specifically made for maternity use. Compression stockings are available in a wide variety of colors to match any wardrobe. No more the need to cover unsightly compression stockings when out in public.  Colors include black, beige, navy, white, ivory, bronze and more. 

Compression stockings manufactured today are made from the newest materials available. Highly sophisticated polyesters, polymers and synthetic spandex are used to make compression stockings today. The vast majority of compression stockings are latex free and are non allergenic.  These new material also afford extra comfort for prolong use. 

The choices in compression stockings are greater than ever. Gone are the days where the choices were compression levels only. The major manufacturers have produced many different lines of compression stockings in all compression levels to choose from.  Jobst compression stockings are available in casual, athletic, sensi foot and utra sheer lines. Sagvaris compression stockings come in several lines including sheer fashion and classic dress while Medivan compression stocking company carry the choices of elegance and their newest line of sheer and soft compression stocking. Juzo compression stockings also have are available in several line. New companies are also coming into the compression stockings market providing even more choices.  

With many companies providing many different styles of compression stockings the choices are practically unlimited. Various web sites like /stockings  afford the convenience of comparing many styles and brands of compression stockings in one place. Prices can also be compared between brands. Today’s compression is widely available from the comforts of you home with these one stop shopping sites.   http://www.thelaserveincenter.com

With modern styles, colors, and sheerness of compression stockings healthy legs are no longer the major chore that your grandmother endured. Today’s compression stockings no longer need to be covered or only worn at home. With the sheerness, styles and colors available compression stockings can be worn for any occasion with any dress from casual to formal apparel.

In addition to being ugly in appearance, varicose veins may have a serious impact on the general public’s quality of life. This is generally because vein disease affects the younger working population. Approximately one third of the population between the ages of 18 – 64 suffers from varicose veins that may be caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).  This medical disease may cause chronic pain in the legs and inhibit patients from standing for long periods of time. Other symptoms including fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, cramping, itching, and restlessness of the legs may preclude patients from performing their daily jobs. Patients suffering with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) often must rest to alleviate the symptoms.

Failure to recognize varicose veins as a medical disease by the patient as well as many family doctors may often lead to failure to treart properly. Without proper treatment of varicose veins, the disease may advance to end stage CVI. End stage CVI may include venous stasis dermatitis, chronic brawny leg edema, phlebitis, hemorrhage, or ulceration. The manifestation of these end stage conditions will require further advanced treatment and rehabilitation for the patient. Therefore, it is critical that patients with varicose veins be examined and evaluated by a qualified phlebologist.

New endovenous technologies have revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. Patients no longer require a surgical procedure with general anesthesia, scarring, and prolonged rehabilitation to treat this disease. Endovenous procedures may be performed in the physician’s office by a qualified phlebologist. The entire procedure requires only a needle puncture without general anesthesia and leaves no scarring. The patient may return to normal activity immediately following the procedure.

Source: Vein Theraphy News

The use of compression stockings by patients after treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been found to prevent post thrombotic syndrome (PTS).  Recent studies published in medical journals and professional web sites such as the “Annals of Internal Medicine”, “American Family Physician”, “American College of Physicians, and the “American College of Phlebology” have shown that compression stockings prevent post thrombotic syndrome in 50% of patients.

Post thrombotic syndrome is a long term complication of DVT that is experienced by 1 out of 3 patients. The symptoms include pain, swelling, cramping, numbness, tingling, and itching of the affected leg. The skin on the lower part of the leg may harden and darken. PTS symptoms may last for years. PTS may affect 50% of patients with DVT after 2 years.

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy recommends the use of compression stockings after the onset of a DVT. They recommend that patients wear the compression stockings for two years after initial onset of DVT. Below knee compression stockings with a compression level of 30-40 mmHg should be routinely prescribed to all patients in this group. With more patients with DVT is being treated on an outpatient basis by emergency department physicians, it is imperative that patients are prescribed knee high compression stockings upon discharge. Compression stockings are not contraindicated in combination of anticoagulant medication.

The positive clinical outcomes of wearing compression stockings are dependent on patient compliance. This is true for all medical indications of stocking use. A recent study on patient compliance by C.L. Morgan, et al concluded that patients with detailed instructions and education about compression therapy become more compliant with the prescribed treatment. It is important for the prescribing physician to educate the patient on where to find this detailed information or present it them personally. Many websites can adequately supply the patient with all the detailed information and education needed for upmost compliance.

Compression stockings are widely available today. They come in many colors and styles for everyday use. One of the best places to buy compression stockings is from the premium online retailers. There you can find a variety of styles of colors of stockings at a reduced price.  Shipping is fast and affordable and the prices are usually less than the pharmacies or health care stores. At www.thelaserveincenter.com patients can also find useful information about compression stocking information such as how to measure their leg for stocking size, how to don stockings, how to care for stockings, and much more.

For more information on the various scientific studies that confirm that the use of compression stockings can reduce post thrombotic syndrome in patients who experience DVT visit www.thelaserveincenter.com or the American College of Phlebology at www.phelbology.org or consult a local phlebologist.   Summary:

Recent studies have confirmed that the use of compression stockings at the onset of DVT may prevent post thrombotic syndrome. Results are dependent on patient compliance. Patient education and training will increase patient compliance.

 Diagnosing Varicose Veins and Other Venous Disorders

The diagnosis of venous disorders including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency requires an examination and tests performed by a qualified physician who specializes in venous diseases. These physicians are called Phlebologists. Patients should inquire about the physician’s qualifications as a Phlebologist.  A Phlebologist is a specialist with the most modern tools, techniques, and knowledge of the diagnosis the etiology of venous disorders. Diagnosis usually begins with an office visit where the physician or his/her staff will gather some initial information from the patient. A consultation with the physician will follow. The physician will gather more detailed medical pertainate information from the patient. This information may include a detailed history of the patient’s medical conditions and symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next a through physical exam of the legs is performed to evaluate the extent of the venous disease.  The physician may also examine the abdominal, pelvic, and perineum area as well. Varicosities in these areas may indicate venous disorders of deep system and intra-abdominal veins or liver disease.

After the physical exam is completed the physician will decide if any additional tests are needed to evaluate the venous system and the vein valves. The standard test for this is a duplex ultrasound. For more information on ultrasound test, visit www.thelaserveincenter.com. Most Phlebologists have the equipment and the expertise to perform this test in their office. They will also have the credentials to interpret the results of the exam. If not, the patient may be referred to another facility for the test. Other more invasive exams requiring x-ray called a venogram may be required for certain disorders.

At the completion of the visit the physician will explain all the treatment options available to the patient. The patient should ask questions about the cost, complications, advantages and disadvantages of all the treatments. The patient should also ask questions concerning the physician’s qualifications to perform any treatment procedures. Treatment of varicose veins and venous diseases include the conservative treatment of wearing compression stockings. Other treatments include sclerotherapy, surgery, and endovenous laser ablation procedures.

Wearing compression stocking on a regular basis may alleviate those tire aching legs people experience at the end of a long day. No need to come home and elevate those tired legs at the end of the day. The graduated compression action of stockings will softly massage the leg muscles all day while standing or sitting. This compression will prevent the venous blood in the legs from becoming sluggish and promote good blood flow from the legs back to the heart.  They will also prevent the pooling and back flow of the blood which causes the aching and may lead to other more serious venous conditions.

Many people who stand or sit for long periods of time will also experience swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs. This can make shoes, socks and other clothing become tight and uncomfortable before the end of the day. Compression stockings can prevent this swelling if worn regularly. Constant leg swelling may also lead to other more serious conditions.

People who travel on a regular basis by and means often are sitting motionless for long periods of time. This is true not only on airplanes, but also in cars, trains, and other means of transportation. When legs remain motionless the muscles that usually pump the blood up the legs are not working and the blood remains pooling in the legs. This may cause achy feeling and swelling in the legs. This may also cause more serious conditions such as blood clots and deep venous thrombosis. People who travel should always wear compression stockings when traveling.

Compression stockings are considered medical devices used to treat venous disorders and are manufactured in several levels of compression for different types of conditions. However, compression stockings with the least compression level of 15 – 20 mmHg are designed to be used by everyone as a preventative medical device. These stockings come in various styles and colors designed for everyday wear by everyone. Compression stockings may be purchased without a prescription or an order from a doctor and are available online at www.thelaserveincenter.com at discount prices.

Practically everyone can benefit from wearing compression stockings regularly and promote excellent leg health.