FAQs

Varicose Veins – that are causing significant symptoms or complications such as pain, heavy or aching legs, itching around the veins, ulcers or bleeding.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency – a long-term condition when the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood back to the heart. Symptoms typically cause swelling of the legs and ankle, pain that worsens when you stand and improves when you raise the legs. Other symptoms include leg cramps, achy throbbing legs, itchy legs, leg ulcers, skin changes, tight calves and weak legs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – Medicare covers the diagnosis and treatments of DVT which is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in the deep vein. This may cause calf pain, lower limb and swelling. If a piece of the clot breaks off and travels it may progress to a dangerous pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be fatal. PE symptoms may include chest pain, pain upon a deep breath, cough, or breathlessness.
Significant Phlebitis – This is an inflammation of the vein which may occur after infection or injury or a blood clot. Symptoms include warm, itchy skin over the affected area. Skin may be red, thick and hard and pain and tenderness are common. Medicare coverage if rebatable for phlebitis (superficial venous thrombosis).
Venous Ulcers – These are open sores usually on the inside of the ankle that take a long time to heal, often bleed or stain, and are a result of severe underlying vascular disease.
Spider Veins – For any Medicare rebate for spider veins, patients are required to have a Duplex Ultrasound first. If vein function is normal, there will be no rebate. However. if there is underlying venous incompetence you may require more than sclerotherapy, and your doctor will discuss further options including your eligibility for Medicare.

•   Any vein imaging
•   Results of any recent blood tests or allergies
•   A GP referral if you have one, although this is not required as Dr Sung is a GP with a special interest in vein medicine, and also has extra phlebology (vein) training.
•   Medicare Card
•   Private Health Insurance Card