All information is correct at time of printing and is subject to change without notice. The Devon Formulary and Referral Website is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored by users. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the website.
This is a summary of the NHS Devon commissioning policy for varicose vein referral.
DRSS has been asked by NHS Devon and secondary care to tighten implementation of the current Varicose Veins Policy.
The majority of GP referrals will be unaffected, but there is going to be stricter implementation of the policy wording on "skin change".
It is considered that mild skin changes, for example haemosiderin deposition, thread veins and non varicose eczema are in keeping with Grade 2 veins and will therefore not be suitable for onward referral.
Recurrent thrombophlebitis, significant bleeding from varicosities, lipodermatosclerosis, varicose eczema and active or healed ulceration imply grade 3 or higher and can be referred into secondary care.
Referral will not be routinely commissioned for patients with:
NHS Devon will fund specialist advice and surgery if appropriate for the following:
Commissioning policy - Varicose Vein Referral
To receive exceptional funding, a clinical advocate for the patient needs to be able to demonstrate that:
and
Applications for consideration for funding approval should be sent to:
Email: d-icb.ifr-newsdt@nhs.net
Individual Funding Request (IFR)
Publication date: January 2020