Glossary

8-15 mmHg: This is the lightest form of compression, which is great for energizing your legs. Socks in this compression level provide relief from tired and achy legs. They also help control minor swelling by gently enhancing circulation in the legs.

15-20 mmHg: The moderate compression of 15-20 mmHg provides relief from minor to moderate swelling, aching, and varicose veins, especially during pregnancy. They are great for preventing deep vein thrombosis (or economy class syndrome) while traveling, but they’re also good for anyone who stands or sits for long periods of time.

20-30 mmHg: The most frequently prescribed level, 20-30 mmHg compression socks offer firm compression and can be used to treat a variety of mild to moderate conditions. This level can provide relief from varicose veins, edema, deep vein thrombosis, and post-sclerotherapy. This level is also referred to as Class I or firm compression.

30-40 mmHg: Sometimes referred to as Class II compression, 30-40 mmHg socks are often prescribed to provide relief from moderate to severe edema, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis. They’re also prescribed for post-sclerotherapy and to heal active venous stasis ulcers. This level of compression should only be worn under a doctor’s supervision.

40-50 mmHg: This is the highest level of compression we offer and should only be worn if prescribed by a doctor. This level is typically used to treat chronic venous insufficiency and post-thrombotic syndrome. Your doctor might refer to this level as Class III.

Accreditation: The process by which a healthcare provider or supplier meets specific standards to qualify for Medicare participation.

Assignment: An agreement by a provider to accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment.

Beneficiary: A person enrolled in Medicare and eligible for benefits.

Billing Code (HCPCS Level II): A standardized code used to bill Medicare for durable medical equipment (DME), including compression stockings.

Blood Circulation: The movement of blood through the body, which compression socks help improve.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): The federal agency overseeing Medicare.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): A condition where veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, often treated with compression socks.

Compression Class: A rating indicating the level of pressure (measured in mmHg) exerted by compression socks.

Compression Garments: Medical-grade elastic hosiery designed to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Coverage Determination: A decision by Medicare about whether a service or item, such as compression socks, is covered.

Deductible: The amount a beneficiary must pay out-of-pocket before Medicare begins to cover costs.

DME (Durable Medical Equipment): Reusable medical equipment covered by Medicare under certain conditions.

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis): A condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often treated with compression therapy.

EOB (Explanation of Benefits): A statement detailing what Medicare has paid and what the beneficiary may owe.

Elastic Stockings: Another term for compression socks, often prescribed for circulatory issues.

Eligibility: The criteria a person must meet to qualify for Medicare and its benefits.

Formulary: A list of medical supplies and services covered by a specific Medicare plan.

FSA (Flexible Spending Account): A tax-advantaged account that may be used to pay for eligible medical expenses, including compression socks.

Gap Coverage (Medicare Donut Hole): A temporary limit on what a drug plan covers.

Graduated Compression: Compression socks that apply more pressure at the ankle and gradually decrease upward.

HCPCS Code (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System): A standardized code used for billing Medicare for medical equipment like compression stockings.

High-Risk Beneficiary: A Medicare enrollee with health conditions requiring special care, such as chronic venous insufficiency.

Insurance Claim: A request for Medicare reimbursement for covered medical expenses.

Itemized Billing: A breakdown of medical costs submitted to Medicare for payment.

Lymphedema: A condition causing swelling due to fluid buildup, often treated with compression therapy.

LSO (Lumbar Support Orthosis): A type of support garment covered by Medicare under specific conditions.

Medicaid: A state and federal program that assists with medical costs for individuals with low income.

Medicare Advantage (Part C): A private insurance alternative to Original Medicare that may cover additional services.

Medicare Part A: Covers hospital stays and inpatient care.

Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient care, including some DME items like compression socks (under specific conditions).

Medigap: Supplemental insurance that covers costs not paid by Original Medicare.

Medical Necessity: A requirement that an item or service must be deemed essential for treatment to be covered by Medicare.

Out-of-Pocket Costs: Expenses a Medicare beneficiary must pay that aren’t covered by insurance.

Orthotic Device: A support device for muscles and joints, sometimes covered under Medicare.

Physician’s Order: A doctor’s prescription required for Medicare to cover compression socks.

Preferred Provider: A healthcare provider with a contract to offer services at reduced costs under a Medicare plan.

Pressure Gradient: The variation in pressure applied by compression socks to promote circulation.

Preventative Care: Healthcare services aimed at preventing illness, such as compression therapy for circulation issues.

Reimbursement: Payment made by Medicare to a beneficiary or provider for covered medical expenses.

Restorative Therapy: Treatments aimed at improving mobility and circulation, including compression therapy.

Secondary Insurance: Additional coverage that helps pay costs not covered by Medicare.

Stocking Donners: Assistive devices that help patients put on compression socks.

Supplier: A company or provider that sells medical equipment, such as compression garments.

Swelling (Edema): Fluid retention that compression socks help reduce.

Therapeutic Compression: The medical use of compression socks to treat venous and lymphatic disorders.

Therapeutic Grade Compression: Compression levels designed specifically for medical conditions.

TSA Guidelines: Regulations that may impact traveling with compression socks or medical equipment.

Utilization Review: The process of reviewing medical services for necessity and compliance with Medicare rules.

Ulcer Prevention: The use of compression therapy to prevent venous ulcers.

Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins often treated with compression therapy.

Venous Return: The flow of blood back to the heart, supported by compression socks.

Verification of Benefits: The process of confirming Medicare coverage before receiving medical equipment.