CMS Treatment of Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities Form

Summary Of Evidence

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Analysis of Evidence

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Varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency as a result of valve reflux (incompetence). The venous insufficiency results in dilated, tortuous, superficial vessels that protrude from the skin of the lower extremities. Spider veins (telangiectasias) are dilated capillary veins that are most often treated for cosmetic purposes. Treatment of telangiectasias is not covered by Medicare.

Historically, varicose veins have been treated by conservative measures such as exercise, periodic leg elevation, weight loss, compressive therapy and avoidance of prolonged immobility. When conservative measures are unsuccessful, and symptoms persist, the next step has been sclerotherapy or surgical ligation with or without stripping. Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing solution into the varicose vein(s).

Compressive sclerotherapy is the injection of the sclerosant into an empty vein (elevated limb) followed by application of a compressive bandage or dressing. This is the most commonly performed sclerotherapy procedure for varicose veins of the lower extremity. Compressive sclerotherapy is indicated for local small to medium symptomatic varices, isolated incompetent perforators, or recurrence of symptomatic varices after adequate surgical removal of varices. It is not considered an appropriate option for large, extensive or truncal varicosities. Foam sclerotherapy is FDA indicated for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein (GSV) system above and below the knee. It is usually given with ultrasound guidance. Non-Compressive sclerotherapy is not covered by Medicare.

More recently, endoluminal radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) and endoluminal laser ablation have been developed as alternatives to sclerotherapy and surgical intervention. These procedures are designed to damage the intimal wall of the vein resulting in fibrosis and subsequent ablation of the lumen of a segment of the vessel. Both procedures utilize specially designed catheters inserted through a small incision in the distal thigh and advanced, often under ultrasound guidance, nearly to the saphenofemoral junction. The catheter is then slowly withdrawn while controlled radiofrequency or laser energy is applied. This is followed by external compression of the treated segment.

Doppler ultrasound or duplex studies are often used to map the anatomy of the venous system prior to the procedure. There is adequate evidence that pre-procedural ultrasound is helpful, and Medicare will cover one ultrasound or duplex scan prior to the procedure to determine the extent and configuration of the varicosities.

Evidence and clinical experience supports the use of ultrasound guidance during the procedure (ERFA and laser ablation only) and shows that the outcomes may be improved and complication rates may be minimized when ultrasound guidance is used. The CPT codes for radiofrequency and laser include the intraoperative ultrasound service in the valuation and ultrasound may not be billed separately with these procedures.

In contrast to ERFA and laser procedures, intra-operative ultrasound guidance techniques have not been shown to increase the effectiveness or safety of sclerotherapy for varicose veins, therefore, intra-operative ultrasound guidance will not be separately covered for sclerotherapy.

A. Indications for surgical treatment: For example venous ligation, vein stripping and/or sclerotherapy.

1. A 3-month trial of conservative therapy such as exercise, periodic leg elevation, weight loss, compressive therapy, and avoidance of prolonged immobility where appropriate, has failed, AND

2. The patient is symptomatic and has one, or more, of the following:
a. Pain or burning in the extremity severe enough to impair mobility
b. Recurrent episodes of superficial phlebitis
c. Non-healing skin ulceration
d. Bleeding from a varicosity
e. Stasis dermatitis
f. Refractory dependent edema

B. Indications for ERFA or laser ablation

In addition to the above (see A), the patient's anatomy and clinical condition are amenable to the proposed treatment including ALL of the following:

1. Absence of aneurysm in the target segment.
2. Maximum vein diameter of 12 mm for ERFA or 20 mm for laser ablation
3. Absence of thrombosis or vein tortuosity, which would impair catheter advancement. –4. The absence of significant peripheral arterial diseases.

C. Limitations for ERFA and laser ablation:
1. ERFA and laser ablation are covered only for the treatment of symptomatic varicosities of the lesser or greater saphenous veins and their tributaries which have failed 3 months of conservative therapy.
2. Intra-operative ultrasound guidance is not separately payable with ERFA, laser ablation, and sclerotherapy.
3. The treatment of asymptomatic varicose veins, or symptomatic varicose veins without a 3-month trial of conservative measures, by any technique will be considered cosmetic and therefore not covered.
4. The treatment of spider veins or superficial telangiectasis by any technique is considered cosmetic, and therefore not covered.
5. Coverage is only for devices specifically FDA-approved for these procedures.
6. One pre-operative Doppler ultrasound study or duplex scan will be covered.

Noridian notes that stab phlebectomy of the same vein performed on the same day as endovenous radiofrequency or laser ablation may be covered if the criteria for reasonable and necessary as described in this LCD are met.

Noridian notes that if sclerotherapy is used with endovenous radiofrequency ablation, it may be covered if the criteria for reasonable and necessary as described in this LCD are met.

Noridian will not consider the treatment of asymptomatic veins with endoluminal ablation or sclerotherapy medically reasonable and necessary. If it is determined on review that the varicose veins were asymptomatic, the claim will be denied as a noncovered (cosmetic) procedure.

Compliance with the provisions in this policy is subject to monitoring by post payment data analysis and subsequent medical review.