Medicare and Sleep Apnea

[CactusRoper]

I have had sleep apnea for several years. My last sleep study, 18 months ago, showed my apnea s (both CA and OA) were when I was sleeping in the supine position. For the last four months, since sleeping only on my side, my AHI runs about 1.3. I am having only hypopnea episodes. I am scheduled for another sleep study next week. My concern is that if I have no episodes of CA or OA while taking the test, Medicare will say that I do not have sleep apnea and no longer eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
Should I cancel the test or have I misunderstood Medicare rules?

[purple]

if that number of AHI is while using the machine, then I would let my doc make the decision of whether you needed the test or not.

How can they say you do not need treatment if you obtain those numbers while using the machine?

Or is it that you are afraid they will not pay for their part of the test?

[DoriC]

If your sleep study will be performed without machine/mask, you'll probably be asked to sleep on your back in which case you'll probably have many events scored. May I ask why you've had another sleep study scheduled after only 18months? It seems cpap is working for you with a nice low AHI and if you're feeling good. Are you having other problems?

[CactusRoper]

My last test showed AHI of 16. It also showed I have severe PMLD, there were so many episodes that it almost looked like a solid bar. The first medication they gave me resulted in me not having any episodes of PLMD, but that was only because the medication kept me awake all night. They then prescribed another drug, dummy that I am, I did not look up the contradictions in the PDR before I had the prescription filled-the most serious complication was that you could fall asleep without even feeling drowsy. Since my young grandson rides with me a lot, I didn't feel that I could take a chance that this would happen. The most effective drugs used to treat PLMD are the ones used to treat Parkinson's. Looks to me like the cure is worse than the disorder.

[StuUnderPressure]

The most effective drugs used to treat PLMD are the ones used to treat Parkinson's. Looks to me like the cure is worse than the disorder.

Yes, those are the drugs they use.
But they prescribe such low dosages of those drugs, the cure is not worse than the disorder.

For instance, I take only 0.5 mg of Mirapex for my RLS & have been doing so for numerous years. Have never had a problem because of it & I drive over 7 hours 1 way with 2 grandchildren.