Here are some of our most frequently asked questions regarding product and fit. Check back often as we are continuously updating our Q&A in an effort to give you a quick and easy way to find the answers to questions you have..., now.
Questions & Answers:
Q. Do your stockings come in pairs or are the sold individually?
A: 99% of all compression stockings are sold by the pair. If it is sold as a single, it will be clearly marked and repeated on the product page.
Q. Do you sell directly to the public or only to doctors and therapist?
A: We sell directly to the end wearer.
Q: Do you have a retail location?
A: Yes. Compression Care Center is located in Gastonia, NC. We use the website as an extension of our facility, allowing us to reach those that have not had success previously or do not have a qualified local facility to visit.
Q: Does your facility measure for custom garments?
A: Yes. We are trained and certified to fit custom flat knit and burn garments for the upper extremity, lower extremity, face and torso.
Q: Do you offer free shipping?
A: We offer free economy shipping on all orders placed and shipping within the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, APO/FPO, US Territories, as well as instore pickup. You can view our shipping policy here.
Q. Do I need a prescription to buy compression stockings?
A: Prescriptions are not required unless the garment is 40-50 mmHg or greater.
Q: Are there any benefits having a prescription from my physician?
A. There are several reasons why you would want a prescription.
- If your prescription is for 20-30 mmHg or higher, it is considered a billable medical item. If you have BCBSNC, BCBSSC, UHC, UMR, Cigna or a Veteran receiving medical care from a VA Hospital we can bill your insurance company for you. If you are covered by another private insurance plan you can submit the claim yourself.
- If you live in NC, you will be exempt from paying taxes for one year form the date written on your prescription. We are not required to collect taxes from those living outside of NC. However this is likely to change and at that time having a prescription would make you exempt.
- Prescriptions allow your doctors to keep accurate records of how you are being treated, allowing the to better understand and prescribe for you in the future.
- Prescriptions give us a direct connection to what your physician wants you in, your diagnosis and contact information if we have questions or concerns.
Q: Can I wear my compression stockings or socks at night?
A: No. Compression stockings should never be worn while you sleep. The garment could slip or roll down the leg causing a turnequette on your leg cutting off circulation. There are certain garments that are made specifically for nighttime wear or while you sleep.
Q: How do I determine my size?
A: If this is your first time wearing compression stockings please click here. All garments have a size chart you must follow when determining size. The "Size Chart" link is found below the SKU on the right side of every product page. Click on it and with your appropriate leg measurement you should be able to determine size. If you have difficulty determining size go to our contact us page and provide a brief description of what you are looking for, the compression level, what you are treating and leg measurements.
Q: When is the best time to measure?
A: Measurements should be taken as soon as you get out of bed or soon after. Ideally your legs will have been elevated for at least 3 hours. It is important to measure your legs at their smallest size when determining the proper size to wear.
Q: Do you bill insurance?
A: Yes. We currently accept BCBS of NC, BCBS of SC, United HealthCare, Cigna and UMR. This does not guarantee coverage. Certain requirements and obligations must be met before insurance typically covers your garments. Please visit our Filing Insurance page and complete the required forms and submit back to the email of fax number provided.
Q: Will compression stockings help reduce my leg?
A: No. Compression stockings are meant to prevent swelling from reoccurring. This is why it is important to measure yourself first thing in the morning or upon waking if you have a different sleep schedule. You should put your garment on first thing in the morning before swelling settles in.
Q: What happens if my arm/leg never goes down, what do I do then?
A: If you never have relief from swelling even first thing in the morning, then you probably need to seek out a lymphedema therapist. This does not mean you have lymphedema. A certified therapist in MLD (manual lymph drainage) can help reduce swelling through massage, exercise or wrapping. Once reduced, then we can take measurements and use your new compression stockings to keep you down.
Q: Do you accept FSA/HSA cards?
A: Yes we do. We take FSA and HSA cards at our retail store as well as our online store. If push comes to shove, you can always stock up on your compression garments if faced with losing your health savings at the end of the year.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Here is a link to our Return Policy
Q: Are your stockings used or second hand?
A: Everything we sell is new in the box and directly from the manufacturer. It is not an uncommon practice where a company looks to buy old inventory from stores going out of business. This is not a method we practice. Garments have a shelf life and will become brittle over a period of time.