Suggestions for Doctors in Charlotte, NC?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Inquisitus
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:10 pm

Suggestions for Doctors in Charlotte, NC?

Post by Inquisitus » Wed Jul 29, 2015 8:31 pm

Hello All,

I am hoping someone can steer me in the right direction. I recently moved to Charlotte, NC. I need a new primary care physician and perhaps a pulmonolgist.

Some things I am looking for.

Practical understanding or resources that are helpful to someone with OSA. Just before I moved I did find a pulmonologist who gained my loyalty because his staff provided me practical support. (ie. helping to fix masks with poor fit, suggesting better masks for me, helping me with various therapy issues, willing to read my sleep data and provide feedback, etc)

I know if I go to a pulmonologist they will insist on a sleep study. Which brings me to a side question. My last sleep test was in a lab and just awful.. Amazingly, I slept less than 2 hours that night, then I had to drag myself through a full day of work to boot.

Given that experience, I wondered, is it possible to capture most of the same information at home? My preference would be to provide as much information here before considering a clinic study. I can't see myself agreeing to the lab, unless there is an indication of something more serious that can only be measured in their facility. I have read there are insurance groups that only do their assessments this way. Is this subpar in healthcare?

Finally, to return to my original question, does anyone know of Charlotte physicians that would be receptive to this approach? I am hoping this time to chose physicians that are more philosophically aligned. I appreciate the feedback.

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Julie
Posts: 19898
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:58 pm

Re: Suggestions for Doctors in Charlotte, NC?

Post by Julie » Wed Jul 29, 2015 8:35 pm

The first 'Announcement' on the main pg (by Pugsy) has a link to download SleepyHead software - easy to use and also works with Macs. Get it set up and you can follow your own progress every night like so many of us do.

Cardsfan
Posts: 1509
Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2015 3:02 pm
Location: Close to St. Louis, MO

Re: Suggestions for Doctors in Charlotte, NC?

Post by Cardsfan » Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:47 am

Just because you switch doctor, does not mean you have to start from scratch with another sleep study. I just went to a sleep specialist, and he was perfectly fine with the 7 month old sleep study my Primary Care Dr had done. And it was an At home study. The sleep specialist said he didn't want to put me through that again. And his office operates an in-hospital sleep lab. He said my at home study was all he needed. So I hope that answers 2 of your concerns.

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VVV
Posts: 525
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 11:28 am

Re: Suggestions for Doctors in Charlotte, NC?

Post by VVV » Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:39 pm

Inquisitus wrote:I need a new primary care physician and perhaps a pulmonolgist.
Why do you need a pulmonologist? What issues would he address?
Inquisitus wrote:I wondered, is it possible to capture most of the same information at home? My preference would be to provide as much information here before considering a clinic study.
What information are you trying to capture?
Inquisitus wrote: (ie. helping to fix masks with poor fit, suggesting better masks for me, helping me with various therapy issues, willing to read my sleep data and provide feedback, etc)
Doctors and their staff are not very good (Most are horrible.) at addressing these issues and generally don't have the time or patience. That's why this forum exists. The members here gave me all the help I need in choosing, fitting and adjusting masks and learning how to get free CPAP software and understand the data.

Start a thread and discuss your problems and I think you will be pleasantly surprised on how much good help you get.
.....................................V