Does anyone have annual sleep studies?

[Sharon1225]

A few weeks ago, someone from the sleep doctor's office called and wanted to schedule another sleep study for me. She said that because of new Medicare regulations that I would have to have annual sleep studies. I nearly came unglued because I hate sleep studies and thought that was all behind me. She explained that I wouldn't have to have the electrodes glued all over my body because it wouldn't be for a diagnosis, but just to adjust my machine. I was still upset because I hate having strangers watch me while I sleep and I hate having to go there late at night when everyone else in the building is gone. I also hate someone trying to force me to do anything. She said that if I didn't get the annual studies that I wouldn't be able to order parts for my machine or have it repaired if it broke down. I soon realized that she was with the doctor who gave me the original diagnosis and the first prescription for a machine. Since then, I changed doctors, so that doctor wouldn't be the one to decide if I could have my machine repaired.

Since then, I have wondered if it might actually be a good idea to have another study done to see if I need to have the setting adjusted or if the mask is working right. I am waking up suddenly even when I have the machine on and my husband complains about the noise. As much as I hate the sleep labs, I might contact my current doctor and see if he thinks another study might be a good idea. How frequently do you have that done?

[SeaPappy]

What it seems to me happened is that you had a doctor call you and ask for more money. Your machine can provide you with all the information you need to do what this forum is all about, "taking your therapy into your own hands". If you don't have a reader and software, it's time to find them and get the guidance offered here from the resident experts, RG, DSM, Wulf, etc, etc. Once you take charge of your own therapy, you will be amazed at how good you feel.

[Tielman]

Since then, I have wondered if it might actually be a good idea to have another study done to see if I need to have the setting adjusted or if the mask is working right. I am waking up suddenly even when I have the machine on and my husband complains about the noise. As much as I hate the sleep labs, I might contact my current doctor and see if he thinks another study might be a good idea. How frequently do you have that done?

I got my sleep study done at a Hospital here in town, and during my time with the Respiratory Therapist he stated that they encouraged their patients to get yearly sleep studies done. There are many things that can cause issues with your treatment including:
- Medicine that you take
- Weight loss or gain
- Central or Mixed Apneas
- Mask leakage (including mouth breathing, etc)
- Other medical conditions (COPD, Heart Issues, Stroke Issues, Blood Pressure issues, etc)

Many of these can be monitored with the software from your machine, but your machine can't see it all. The sleep study checks your heart, your sleep levels (1,2,3 and REM) from your brain waves, RLS/PLMD issues with your legs. None of which can be checked from the machine's software, even a oximeter can't check your heart like the EKG your hooked up to.

I'm only 6 months in, but I plan on getting my yearly sleep study done in Mid December.

[Chainsaw2608]

Not sure about Medicare, but I've heard that some insurance companies may require a study be done every 3-5 years.

[DreamStalker]

I agree with Sea Pappy.

Take control of your own therapy. This condition is very much like diabetes. The patient hast to be proactive to monitor and manage the treatment cuz the health pros are good at diagnosing but they really can't effectively treat you, only guide you. YOU have to do the treatment.

This is the best site to learn how to monitor and managage your treatment.

[BlackSpinner]

The machine is under warranty for 3 years by the manufacturer in most cases. Not via your doctor at all. It is your machine not theirs

Mine told as long as my AHI - which I can see in the lcd window, stays below 3 (and I am feeling good) I don't need to waste money on sleep studies.

Call your current doctor and tell them you are picking up a copy of your prescription next week for your files. They MUST give you a copy - you don't need another sleep study or an appointment to get it. The clerk can make a photo copy. If you don't want to worry about the insurance start socking away $10 a week and in 2 years you will have the money to buy a new machine off cpapdotcom.

[CynConn]

I was diagnosed in 1996. When I changed doctors in @2003, the new doctor ordered another sleep study. So I went. After 7+ years of using a CPAP every night, my brain would not let my body fall asleep without a CPAP mask on. The technician at the sleep study refused to let me put on a mask since the wording on the script to find out if I *had* OSA. Never fell asleep, study was a total waste of time. My original AHI was 84 so it was pretty definite that I had OSA.

Like others have said, your doctor doesn't repair the machines and they don't warranty them (unless you bought your machine directly from the doctor in which case they are looking to make a profit on selling you a new one.)

If your doctor insists on a new study, make sure it is in writing on the script that the study is to be done *with a mask in place*. I think those types of studies are called titration studies.

For everyone out there. Make certain that you get a copy of your sleep study results and that you keep them in a safe place. I have changed doctors several times due to insurance changes over the last 14 years. The sleep study test records got lost somewhere during the transfer process from doctor to doctor. If I did not have a copy of my study results, I would have had to have another sleep study.

My insurance company, Cigna, told me that they do NOT consider smart card data as proof of OSA. Only a certified sleep study counts.

Cynthia

[Sharon1225]

Oh yikes. I don't think I still have a copy of the study that diagnosed me with apnea. I don't know if I could stand another study without a mask and with electrodes. Hope I don't change insurance.

[CynConn]

If your study is recent enough, call the prescribing doctor or the sleep clinic and ask for a copy. Then put it in a safe <GRIN>. And write down the combination. I don't have the entire study, just the summary page(s) that showed my AHI and diagnosis (severe sleep apnea).

Cynthia