Treatment for varicose veins will only be offered in cases where there has been no response to all other suggested treatments and therapies after an appropriate trial:

  • Varicose veins that have bled and might bleed again
  • The patient has a history of varicose ulcers (when underlying flesh is visible)
  • There has been a change in appearance such as swelling or skin discolouration
  • The patient has a loss of movement, reduced sensitivity or cramping.

The clinician in charge of the care of the patient’s specific condition, usually a hospital doctor, can assist the application, if there is exceptional clinical need for the treatment to be funded. The patient’s clinician must evidence clinical exceptionality and must be supported by the patient’s local NHS commissioning organisation. See separate leaflet for more information on Individual Funding Requests (IFRs)

Advice and further guidance:

A doctor who specialises in veins (a vascular specialist) will be able to advise the patient about the most suitable form of treatment. One of the first treatments offered will usually involve ultrasound or laser treatment to seal the affected veins and this is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the patient won’t feel any pain and the patient will normally go home the same day. The patient will need to wear compression stockings for up to a week after having treatment.

  • For more information search for ‘varicose veins’ at www.nhs.uk
  • Choosing Wisely UK is part of a global initiative aimed at improving conversations between patients and their doctors and nurses.

This guidance is produced by The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (the Academy) as part of the Evidence-based interventions programme. It is based on recommendations from the Expert Advisory Committee and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

All guidance has been reviewed by the Birmingham and Solihull & Sandwell and West Birmingham CCGs’ Treatment Policy Clinical Development Groups (TPCDG). This was reviewed to establish if existing CCG policies were already in place which covered the proposed intervention / treatment in question.

Where there was no current CCG policy for the area in question, the NHSEI policy has been implemented in full into the CCG’s Clinical Treatment Policy portfolio.

Where there was a current CCG policy for the area in question, then the existing CCG policy has been reviewed by the TPCDG considering the NHSEI EBI policy rationale and evidence base.  A decision has then been taken by TPCDG based on the review as to the most appropriate policy for implementation by taking into account the healthcare needs of our local population.

The aims of the Evidence Based Interventions programme is to ensure the quality and safety of patient care by, freeing up valuable resources such as time so that more effective interventions can be carried out, reducing harm or the risk of harm to patients, helping clinicians maintain professional practice, creating headroom for innovation, and maximising value and avoiding waste.