There have been recent alterations to the Medicare Benefits Schedule ( MBS ) that are likely to result in changes to the way varicose leg veins are treated and, also, the cost of that treatment. These changes mean that funding for surgery has been dramatically reduced and a move to non-surgical techniques is a likely consequence.
Because of decreased funding to treat varicose veins, the major public hospitals in Adelaide and throughout Australia are only accepting patients for treatmentif there are significant medical complications from their veins (such as varicose ulcers). At the present time, cosmetic treatment for varicose veins is not considered a reason to go on a public hospital waiting list in Adelaide.
This move is likely to affect the availability and cost of having leg veins treated.
Treatment for varicose veins in the private sector is also moving away from traditional surgery. Non- surgical techniques have a number of advantages including less complications, no down time or time off work. The downside of this, however, is that patients are likely to have to pay some out of pocket costs. Medicare funding for non-surgical methods of treating veins is minimal and does not cover the realistic costs of treatment. There is also an argument that the majority (not all) have treatment for cosmetic reasons and, as with most cosmetic procedures, this should not be covered by Medicare.
