Sleep specialist and neurologist. Same thing?

[loopylooloo]

I told my doctor, who is a general practice doctor, that I'd like to talk to the sleep specialist who told her I have sleep apnea and to put me on a cpap. I want to ask him questions about my report, so I'm more informed. I don't want to talk to a respiratory therapist or a general practitioner who just can't know everything about every condition out there. My GP sends me a message back and said there is no sleep specialist ... a neurologist looked at my report and diagnosed me. Are they essentially the same thing? I guess I have to try to get an appointment with him on my own if I want to know the ins and outs of my treatment and my report. *argh*

[avi123]

There are several specialties of physicians who could take courses to become also Sleep Medicine MDs. In another of your posts I suggested that you look to one of these whose basic profession was in Neurology. But it is not an absolute necessity for you. Look in the list provided by this website by clicking on "Local Services" on top of the window and check for a sleep physician near you. Next, call this physician and ask for an appointment. Some of them may ask for a referral from your Primary Physician. So try to get it.

[caffeinatedcfo]

No they are not. I just saw a very reputable neurologist in my area for some nerve dmg issues and upon meeting me he says, "how are you on CPAP, you don't look like a CPAP patient?" No clue.

[loopylooloo]

There are several specialties of physicians who could take courses to become also Sleep Medicine MDs. In another of your posts I suggested that you look to one of these whose basic profession was in Neurology. But it is not an absolute necessity for you. Look in the list provided by this website by clicking on "Local Services" on top of the window and check for a sleep physician near you. Next, call this physician and ask for an appointment. Some of them may ask for a referral from your Primary Physician. So try to get it.

I don't remember any such suggestion from you. However,I live in the middle of freaking nowhere.I have a feeling there are very few near me.

[loopylooloo]

I am very annoyed. It's often like an assembly line in the town where I live with not very good care often.

No they are not. I just saw a very reputable neurologist in my area for some nerve dmg issues and upon meeting me he says, "how are you on CPAP, you don't look like a CPAP patient?" No clue.

[kaiasgram]

This link helps explain about board certification in sleep medicine: http://www.absm.org/sleepmedicinespecialty.aspx
Do you have Kaiser?

[squid13]

My sleep Doctor is a Neurologist and is also Board Certified in Sleep Medicine.

[zoocrewphoto]

My sleep doctor is a neurologist who specializes in sleep and headaches. I hit the jackpot. I've been really disappointed in my primary doctor this past year, but she has referred me to a great sleep doctor and a good cardiologist.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I am very annoyed. It's often like an assembly line in the town where I live with not very good care often.

No they are not. I just saw a very reputable neurologist in my area for some nerve dmg issues and upon meeting me he says, "how are you on CPAP, you don't look like a CPAP patient?" No clue.

I hear ya loopy. For my unrelated nerve damage, I had to leave my town to see a knowledgeable neurologist. Pain in the butt but it was worth my time and effort in the long run.

[loopylooloo]

The site says he is certified in sleep medicine as well so I'm trying to get an appointment with him. I also have an appointment with ENT because the few times I've put the thing on my ear has filled up and only a few days after having it I got a raging cold. I want things checked out fully...something that...as usual was never done by the other doctors.

[loopylooloo]

I am not allowed an appointment with him unless my primary doctor can prove I need to be seen by him....he's like The Wizard of Oz: "Pay no attention the man behind the curtain, reviewing your test results but unwilling to go over them with you so you know what the hell is going on with your own body!" Instead, I can talk to the people trying to sell me equipment..because they are.....not experts. Grrrrr! And I have had to ask three times to just get a summary of my damn test!

[RT101]

A respiratory therapist that is concentrated on Sleep studies can tell you a lot about whats going on in your body, just because we don't have "md" attached to our full name doesn't mean we are clueless. I have witnessed so many times doctors have come to us with absurd orders for the Vent settings and we had to explain to them what will work and what can't because they simply don't have that information.

[loopylooloo]

A respiratory therapist that is concentrated on Sleep studies can tell you a lot about whats going on in your body, just because we don't have "md" attached to our full name doesn't mean we are clueless. I have witnessed so many times doctors have come to us with absurd orders for the Vent settings and we had to explain to them what will work and what can't because they simply don't have that information.

I deleted the really snotty comment I left about my respiratory therapist. I am just upset and she was really helpful. And yes, they can be helpful. I will try with her tomorrow before my ENT appointment. Thank you.

[Papit]

Hi loopy. Keep pushing for a copy of your complete sleep study and also a copy of your prescription for your PAP machine. You are ENTITLED to both, including LEGALLY entitled. Tell them that. Many of us have gone through the same nonsense. They come around quickly when you look them in the eye and say "legally entitled".

Hang in there and good luck.

A respiratory therapist that is concentrated on Sleep studies can tell you a lot about whats going on in your body, just because we don't have "md" attached to our full name doesn't mean we are clueless. I have witnessed so many times doctors have come to us with absurd orders for the Vent settings and we had to explain to them what will work and what can't because they simply don't have that information.

I deleted the really snotty comment I left about my respiratory therapist. I am just upset and she was really helpful. And yes, they can be helpful. I will try with her tomorrow before my ENT appointment. Thank you.

[49er]

No they are not. I just saw a very reputable neurologist in my area for some nerve dmg issues and upon meeting me he says, "how are you on CPAP, you don't look like a CPAP patient?" No clue.

Very interesting. My former sleep doctor who is also a neurologist was sure I didn't have apnea because I also didn't look like the stereotypical apnea patient. Must be something they are learning in medical school.

49er