Getting Insurance Reimbursement for Your Compression Stockings

Patients who suffer from varicose veinsor other venous disorders may be required to wear compression stockings as part of their treatment. Compression stockingscan be expensive; however they may be covered by your medical coverage. When buying stockings online  patients must pay for the stockings first then pursue reimbursement from the insurance company.

Not all insurance companies will cover compression stockings even when prescribed by a physician. However many will. An example is Medicare Plan B will not cover compression stockings but many Medicare Supplement plans will. Patients are sometimes intimated by these big insurance companies and simply will not pursue reimbursement.  Obtaining reimbursement can be relatively simple. The key is to follow the insurance company’s rules. The following will help the patient obtain reimbursement for their compression stockings.

If you are a Veteran and have VA benefits who should contact your local Veterans’ Affairs office and inquire if they will cover the purchase of compression stockings. They will have their own set of rules that may include purchase from a registered contractor for the Federal Government. The Laser Vein Center.com is a registered contractor.

First, contact your insurance company before you buy any compression stockings. The phone number of the customer service department of your insurance company can be found of your insurance card.  Each insurance company has their own set of rules for what they will cover. These rules may include certain compression levels they will cover (most will not cover compression stocking levels under 20-30 mmHg), how many pairs they will cover and weather a written prescription from your physician is required.

After obtaining this information, ask about the reimbursement process. Most insurance companies have a specific reimbursement form that the patient must complete. If you need some help with this contact your physician’s office for help. Obtain the reimbursement form as well as a list of required documents that are needed for reimbursement. These may include a receipt for the compression stockings and/or a written prescription from your physician. Confirm with your insurance if they will accept a copy of these documents or is the original is required. Either way always keep copies of all documents including the reimbursement form.

You are now ready to purchase your compression stockings.  Be sure to buy the stockings that are required by your insurance company. If this happens to be different from your physician’s prescription contact your physician. They will often change their prescription to meet the insurance requirements.  Always buy stockings at a reputable store or online web site.  When buying online make sure the site has a contact phone number where you can call and ask questions or assure you will receive the proper receipt. Never buy from a web site that does not provide a contact phone number.

After the insurance formed is completed and required documentation is received send all to your insurance company at the address stated of the form. Remember always keep a copy. Mail your documents by U S Mail and require a signature confirmation (frequently these forms are never received by the insurance company) in order to confirm they received them.  You will receive notice of either payment or denial within 30 days. If you are denied call the insurance company and ask to speak to a supervisor and ask why.  Keep pursuing the insurance company until you are satisfied with the reimbursement you are due.