After a free screening reveals a vein condition, we often have patients ask when the best time is to start treatment. It's common for people to want it done by the end of the year. If that's the case, we recommend starting sooner than you might think. The earlier in the year, the better. Things like insurance delays, deductibles, and waiting periods can slow the process down significantly. So if you want your treatment plan complete by a certain date, here are some considerations for deciding when to get started.
5 Elements to Consider When Considering When to Start Vein Treatment:
1. Your Insurance Plan
The most important consideration for most patients is your insurance and your annual deductible. The annual deductible starts over the first of the year, and for that reason, people often like to start early enough that they can get everything done by the end of the year and not incur any additional out-of-pocket expenses. If that’s your preference, be aware that some insurance companies may slow down your approval process - which means you may not be able to get all your treatments in before your deductible year ends.
Additionally, some insurance companies require a 3-month waiting period followed by additional approval delays. Because of that, we strongly encourage people to come in early in the year (winter and spring) to get started - at least 6 months in advance. For those who want the process done before the end of the year, waiting until August may be too late. You want to be in the driver's seat for your own healthcare choices, and starting early gives you the ability to do so.
2. Your Current Pain & Discomfort Level. How Bad Is It?
It's not normal to be run-down and tired at the end of the day with achy legs. It's not a regular part of getting older. If your symptoms are keeping you from a happy, healthy, active, and pain-free lifestyle, it doesn’t make sense to suffer needlessly when you can take action immediately. Stop missing out on life, avoiding your favorite activities, losing time with children or grandchildren, and having to sit out of family events because your symptoms are unbearable. Bottom line, if it's that bad, don't wait. The number one comment we hear from patients after treatment is “I wish I’d done this years ago!”
3. Timing
Be aware that it takes several months for you to realize the full benefit of your treatment. You’ll need to allow time for your veins to heal and fade away. While many patients notice benefits immediately, the complete process takes time - often 2-3 months. If you can’t come in May, for example, expecting to be “done” by June isn't realistic. This is important if you have a "deadline" coming up like another medical procedure ( for example, knee replacement surgery) or planned travel.
4. Your Work or Vacation Schedule
In most cases, you can leave for a vacation the next day - simply pause the treatments and resume them when you return. If you want to have the best cosmetic appearance for vacation time (i.e. to wear shorts, dresses, or swimsuits), plan your treatments 2-3 months prior to travel so that treatments have time to take effect and cosmetic changes are complete. Consider also how your work schedule may change. For example, a teacher who has summers off may start treatment on the first day of summer break and finish treatment before school starts in the fall.
5. Wearing Compression Stockings
Cooler weather months make it easy for those who want to avoid wearing compression stockings during warmer months. However, many people do just fine with compression stockings year-round. They make your legs feel better before and during treatment. However, if you enjoy wearing shorts or knee-length dresses in the spring and summer, you'll want to schedule your evaluation 3-4 months prior so that you can start your treatment a minimum of 2-3 months before you want to be finished with treatment.
The moral of the story is...don’t wait. Depending on your goals and when you want to have treatments completed, it may take 3-4 months or more before you can expect to be finished with the process. If you're curious about treatment and wonder when the best time is for you, call our office and talk to our insurance specialists. Let us know your goals and timeline. We can help you navigate the insurance process and plan your treatment so that you're feeling better on your schedule, not someone else's.
