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Vein Condition

Venous Insufficiency: Diagnosis & Treatment

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the underlying cause of most vein problems — from spider veins to leg ulcers. It affects over 40 million Americans and is highly treatable with minimally invasive, insurance-covered procedures.

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Understanding Venous Insufficiency

In healthy veins, one-way valves open to allow blood to flow upward toward the heart, then close to prevent backflow. In venous insufficiency, these valves become damaged or weakened — allowing blood to flow backward (reflux) and pool in the lower legs.

This pooling increases pressure in the vein walls, causing them to stretch and weaken over time. The result is a cascade of symptoms that worsen progressively: spider veins, varicose veins, leg swelling, skin changes, and ultimately venous ulcers.

CVI is a chronic, progressive condition. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Duplex ultrasound allows our specialists to identify reflux before visible symptoms appear.

CEAP Classification Stages

C1

Spider Veins

Small, web-like veins visible on the skin surface.

C2

Varicose Veins

Enlarged, bulging veins visible beneath the skin.

C3

Leg Swelling

Edema in the lower leg and ankle due to fluid buildup.

C4

Skin Changes

Discoloration, eczema, or hardening of the skin.

C5

Healed Ulcer

History of venous ulcer that has healed.

C6

Active Ulcer

Open venous wound requiring immediate treatment.

Treatments for Venous Insufficiency

All procedures are in-office, take under an hour, and are covered by most insurance plans.

Radiofrequency Ablation

The most commonly covered treatment. Heat energy closes the diseased vein permanently.

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Endovenous Laser Therapy

Laser energy delivered inside the vein to seal it shut. Highly effective for great saphenous vein reflux.

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Varithena

FDA-approved injectable foam that fills and seals diseased veins — no surgery, no general anesthesia.

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CVI Is Covered by Most Insurance Plans

Our team handles insurance verification. Book a free ultrasound screening to get your diagnosis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the vein valves in the legs fail to keep blood flowing efficiently toward the heart. Blood pools in the leg veins, causing increased pressure, swelling, pain, and over time, skin changes and ulcers.
How is venous insufficiency diagnosed?
CVI is diagnosed with a duplex ultrasound — a painless imaging test that maps your veins and measures blood flow. This allows our specialists to identify exactly which veins are affected and how severe the reflux is.
Is venous insufficiency covered by insurance?
Yes. Chronic venous insufficiency is a medical diagnosis, and treatments like radiofrequency ablation and Varithena are covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, when medically necessary.
Can venous insufficiency be cured?
Venous insufficiency cannot be fully 'cured' in the traditional sense, but it can be effectively managed and treated. Ablation procedures close the diseased veins permanently, relieving symptoms and preventing progression.
What happens if venous insufficiency is left untreated?
Untreated CVI progressively worsens. It can lead to chronic leg swelling, skin thickening and discoloration (lipodermatosclerosis), venous eczema, and ultimately venous leg ulcers — open wounds that are difficult to heal.
What are the stages of venous insufficiency?
CVI is classified using the CEAP system: C0 (no visible signs), C1 (spider veins), C2 (varicose veins), C3 (leg swelling), C4 (skin changes), C5 (healed ulcer), C6 (active ulcer). Early treatment prevents progression to advanced stages.

Get Diagnosed & Treated Today

Our board-certified vein specialists offer free screenings at 7 locations in Michigan and South Carolina.

Book Free ScreeningCall 866-692-4907