Vein disease is common in NZ. And very treatable.
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Insurance
Palm Clinic is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross HealthCare and a First Choice Provider to NIB insurance for the treatment of varicose veins which means we can process all your claims without having to ring for prior approval.
Symptoms of Vein Disease
Varicose veins can cause heavy, tired legs, throbbing or aching. This is more likely after prolonged sitting or standing and symptoms are usually worse at the end of the day. Other symptoms can include ankle swelling, restlessness in the legs, cramp, itching, or a red rash (‘varicose eczema’) on the skin of the legs. Sometimes you will notice a dark pigment forming on the lower legs or a congested purple appearance of the feet at the end of the day. Varicose ulcers can appear as a direct result of your varicose veins. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you may be living with a common (and quite treatable) vein condition. To find out more, simply schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated vein doctors (phlebologists).
Types of Vein Conditions
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are large dilated blood vessels that have a bluish colour and protrude above the surface of the skin. They are treated at Palm Clinic by Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA).
Spider Veins
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are large dilated blood vessels that have a bluish colour and protrude above the surface of the skin. They are treated at Palm Clinic by Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA).
Spider Veins
Spider veins (also called thread veins) are small dilated blood vessels. They are treated at Palm Clinic by Microsclerotherapy or Exotherme Laser.
Understanding Vein Health
Main Vein Systems of the Leg
This image shows the main vein systems of the leg. They comprise of the deep veins (the thicker one) and the superficial veins (the finer one).
Healthy Open Valves
When you walk, your calf muscle (the blue structure) squeezes the deep veins and pushes the blood against gravity up the leg. The valves within the vein open up to allow the blood to flow up.
Healthy Closed Valves
When the muscle relaxes (part of the walking cycle) the valves come back to meet in the centre and prevent downward flow of blood back toward the feet.
Healthy Valves
In healthy veins the valves are 'competent' meaning they prevent downward flow of blood toward the feet.
Damaged Valves
In the situation of varicose veins the valves in the surface veins have become faulty and the walls of the vein have stretched. This results in downward flow of blood toward the feet and pooling of blood in the vein, resulting in a heavy and achy leg due to impaired drainage of the leg.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation involves feeding a fine fibre up the vein under ultrasound guidance.
Local Anaesthetic
Local (tumescent) Anaesthetic is then infiltrated all around the vein.
This numbs and protects the surrounding tissue and pushes the vein in to contact with the fibre. The Radiofrequency is activated which seals the walls of the vein together closing the vein. The flow is then diverted through the larger deep veins meaning improved drainage of the leg and resolution of your venous symptoms.
One Year Post Treatment
When we see you at follow-up all that remains is a fine cord where the varicose vein once was.
Surgical Stripping
The alternative is varicose vein 'stripping'. This is a surgical procedure which is no longer the treatment of choice due to superior less invasive treatments such as Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA).
Why Palm Clinic?
Our highly skilled medical team treat you with care and understanding.
Have a question
or want to make an appointment?
Medical Insurance for Varicose Veins
Palm Clinic is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross for varicose veins and a First Choice Provider for NIB. Medical necessity criteria apply.
For Southern Cross and NIB you do not need prior approval. Palm Clinic is able to authorise this online if you bring your member number. Varicose vein treatments are generally covered by other medical insurers such as Sovereign, Unimed and others when meeting 'medical necessity criteria'.
Take advantage of our Interest Free Payment plans to cover the cost of your treatment.
To apply online go to: www.qmastercard.co.nz and click on APPLY NOW
Talk to our staff today to find out more about our flexible payment options.
* Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply.
Please note that individual results may vary from patient to patient, and the information provided on our website is only a guidance to the possible results.