Question 1

When should I visit a sleep specialist?

Accepted Answer

If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or you are tired during the day, it is important to have the cause evaluated by a doctor specially trained in sleep disorders.

Question 2

Is a sleep consultation/sleep study covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most private health insurance companies as well as Medicare cover office visits, sleep studies and CPAP services.

Question 3

Do I need a referral to see a sleep specialist?

Accepted Answer

If you have Medicare or a PPO, you do not need a referral. However, HMO’s usually require a referral. Please contact your primary care physician or pediatrician and have them initiate a referral from your insurance company.

Question 4

What happens if my sleep disorder is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Common symtoms of untreated sleep disorders are:
 
•  Daytime sleepiness and fatigue that may lead to traffic accidents
•  Cognitive impairment and poor job performance
•  Anxiety, depression, memory loss and dementia, hypertension, cardiac disease

Question 5

Do I need to have a consultation before my sleep study?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This visit not only insures that we are providing you with the best possible service, but it is also a requirement for the sleep center to meet the highest standards of accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Question 6

What is a sleep study and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A sleep study is a non-invasive, painless evaluation of your sleep. Electrodes attached with paste monitor your brain waves, rapid eye movements, breathing patterns, respiratory efforts, oxygen levels, snoring, muscle tone and leg movements, electrocardiogram and heart rate. Sleep studies routinely include a digitally recorded video that enables the Sleep Center physician to visually observe sleep position, movements, respiration and other sleep-related information. We are required to have your written consent to perform the sleep study and to record the video. This data is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which established national standards for the security and privacy of health data. A physician will review the sleep recording in conjunction with your clinical history in order to arrive at a diagnosis.
 
Learn more about our state-of-the-art of sleep lab facility here.

Question 7

How long will my sleep study take?

Accepted Answer

Adult patients typically arrive between 8pm and 10pm and leave between 6:00 am and 8:00 am. Patients are usually with us about 9 hours. We aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep study time.

Question 8

What do I bring to my sleep study?

Accepted Answer

You may bring your own pillow, pajamas, and any other personal items related to sleep. A refrigerator is available and you are welcome to bring a bedtime snack. While we do have wireless internet and permit laptops, phones, and other electronic devices, please make sure that they are turned off during testing as they can disrupt the sleep study and affect your test results if left on.

Question 9

Can I watch TV at my sleep study?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each room has DirecTV. There is also wireless internet if you wish to bring your laptop or any other electronic device. Of course, we recommend that you choose a relaxing activity to maximize your sleep time.

Question 10

Can my child get a sleep study?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A sleep consultation is required prior to a sleep study unless it is a simple case of ruling out Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A parent or guardian must accompany the child and remain for the entirety of the study. We have rooms specially fitted with two beds so that the caregiver can sleep with the child.

Question 11

Can I be accompanied by my spouse or accompany my child during a sleep study?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a patient needs 24-hour care, we ask that the caregiver stay with the patient. Arrangements can also be made for the spouse to accompany the patient if the patient gives us notice ahead of time.

Question 12

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my sleep study?

Accepted Answer

Please make every effort to keep your scheduled appointment. A sleep technician and room have been reserved just for you. If you must cancel or reschedule, please notify us 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment or there may be a charge for the missed appointment.

Question 13

How is my privacy protected?

Accepted Answer

Sleep studies routinely include a digitally recorded video that enables the Sleep Center physician to visually observe sleep position, movements, respiration and other sleep-related information. We are required to have your written consent to perform the sleep study and to record the video. This data is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which established national standards for the security and privacy of health data.

Question 14

How do I get the results of my sleep study?

Accepted Answer

Our sleep specialists will review the sleep recording in conjunction with your clinical history in order to arrive at a diagnosis. They will discuss these results and their recommendations with you at a follow-up appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions