I prefer this solution to hypertonic saline which is not FDA approved for this purpose. It is also more painful and problematic if it goes out of the vein. A course of treatment can include from one to five treatment visits at bi-weekly to monthly intervals. An extremely fine needle is used so that there is almost no pain or discomfort or bruising. I have patients walk right out of the office and advise them to use elastic bandages for two to four days.
Some insurance companies do pay benefits if there is pain or discomfort which impedes activity.
Each insurance carrier is different, and it is recommended that individuals check with their own agents to determine if there is coverage. In other words, it allows you to select any physician or hospital your heart desires. The other good thing about it is that it allows you to self-refer. However, there is still no guarantee that they will consider the vein injections medically necessary. Similar to a PPO except that the coverage for non-listed physicians and services may be less, and there are more rigorous utilization review requirements.