THE BULLETIN OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PHLEBOLOGY

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Abstract
The treatment of varicose veins as taught within the specialty of phlebology consists of the best combinations of sclerotherapy and surgery after a thorough evaluation by physical examination and Doppler ultrasound, as well as other techniques. Although patients can experience some relief of symptoms by external compression hosiery, only treatment that closes up leaky valves will stop the progression of disease. Sclerotherapy is a safe, well-accepted, non-investigational, highly effective method to treat abnormally enlarged veins. Surgical procedures may be necessary to supplement sclerotherapy in certain anatomic sites. Varicose veins cause patients to experience pain, lose time from work, and can ultimately lead to permanent disability. Our healthcare system must provide the most high quality cost effective care for these patients. By keeping costs down as compared with full-scale surgical procedures, the approach of sclerotherapy or sclerotherapy with outpatient surgery, performed by properly trained physicians, provides a means to accomplish this. Medical necessity criteria allow exclusion of payments for patients seeking treatment purely for cosmetic needs.

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