CGHS Varicose Veins Treatment Rates: Laser Ablation and Injection Therapy

Varicose veins are treated today mostly with laser or radiofrequency ablation rather than open stripping surgery, and the CGHS rate list carries codes for these options.

The figures below are from the Office Memorandum effective 13 October 2025. Laser ablation is Rs 37,400 at a non-NABH hospital, Rs 44,000 at a NABH hospital and Rs 50,600 at a super-speciality hospital.

CGHS Varicose Veins Treatment Rates (effective 13 October 2025)

Varicose vein surgery is priced under cardiovascular surgery, which carries three rates — non-NABH, NABH and a higher super-speciality rate. The OM sets these rates for the semi-private ward: a general-ward entitlement is 5% lower and a private-ward entitlement 5% higher. Tier II cities are 10% lower and Tier III cities 20% lower than Tier I.

• Laser ablation of varicose veins, Non-NABH — Rs 37,400
• Laser ablation of varicose veins, NABH — Rs 44,000
• Laser ablation of varicose veins, Super Speciality — Rs 50,600
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of varicose veins (excluding the cost of the RFA catheter), Non-NABH — Rs 7,948
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of varicose veins (excluding the cost of the RFA catheter), NABH — Rs 9,350
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of varicose veins (excluding the cost of the RFA catheter), Super Speciality — Rs 10,753
• Varicose vein surgery — Trendelenburg operation with suturing or ligation, Non-NABH — Rs 21,505
• Varicose vein surgery — Trendelenburg operation with suturing or ligation, NABH — Rs 25,300
• Varicose vein surgery — Trendelenburg operation with suturing or ligation, Super Speciality — Rs 29,095

Injection Treatment and Doppler Assessment

• Injection for varicose veins (sclerotherapy), per session (cost of the sclerosant extra), Non-NABH — Rs 595
• Injection for varicose veins (sclerotherapy), per session (cost of the sclerosant extra), NABH — Rs 700
• Venous colour Doppler, bilateral, Non-NABH — Rs 850
• Venous colour Doppler, bilateral, NABH — Rs 1,000

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Which Treatment Will Be Advised?

The choice between injection sclerotherapy, ablation and surgery depends on the size of the affected veins and Doppler findings. A bilateral venous colour Doppler, at Rs 850 (non-NABH) and Rs 1,000 (NABH) under the rates effective 13 October 2025, is usually the first investigation.

How CGHS Package Rates Work

A CGHS "package rate" is an all-inclusive amount covering admission, surgeon and anaesthetist charges, operation theatre, nursing, routine investigations, medicines and accommodation for the standard length of stay.

Under the Office Memorandum effective 13 October 2025, a non-NABH hospital is paid 15% below the NABH rate, and for the specialities the memorandum names, a super-speciality hospital is paid 15% above the NABH rate.

The published rate is the semi-private ward figure: a general-ward entitlement is 5% lower and a private-ward entitlement 5% higher. Hospitals in Tier II cities are paid 10% less and in Tier III cities 20% less than in Tier I, with the North-East and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Tier II rates.

Referral and Prior Permission

For planned (non-emergency) procedures, a CGHS beneficiary needs a referral from the CGHS wellness centre and prior permission from the competent authority. Emergency treatment at an empanelled hospital is reimbursed up to CGHS rates without prior permission.

• Carry a valid CGHS card and follow your ward entitlement (based on pay/pension)
• Use an empanelled hospital for cashless treatment up to CGHS rates
• Obtain prior permission and referral for planned surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser treatment for varicose veins covered by CGHS?

Yes — laser ablation of varicose veins is Rs 37,400 (non-NABH), Rs 44,000 (NABH) and Rs 50,600 (super-speciality) under the rates effective 13 October 2025. Radiofrequency ablation is a separate, lower code at Rs 7,948, Rs 9,350 and Rs 10,753, and excludes the cost of the RFA catheter.

How many sclerotherapy sessions does CGHS pay for?

Injection sclerotherapy is billed per session at the notified rate. The number of medically justified sessions is decided by the treating specialist and the permission granted.

Related

• CGHS rate list for common procedures
• CGHS room rent and consultation charges

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.