I'm going to see my sleep doctor, FINALLY, in about a week. I've had my sleep study and follow up study completed the first part of June and was diagnosed treatment at 13 pts pressure. The next day the DME brought me a Fisher & Paykel 604 Thermosmart with Swift pillows and I've been on them pretty well. There's been adjustment pain, but I've had definite sleep improvement.
I've got a few questions on my mind, mostly to discuss my results. But, I sure would like to be armed with info and questions to make this as efficient of a meeting as possible. Maybe we could generate a good checklist, not only for me, but for anyone going on their first (and subsequent) visits. What should we bring along. What should we get from doc as a hard copy, etc.
Thanks in advance!!!
Liga
Checklist of questions to ask your sleep doctor
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Hi Liga,
Say, that's a great idea!
Wish I'd thought of it.
A list of questions is smart. I am assuming you want to ask about your study results, and you might ask what certain terms mean, even if you already know (it's a good test to see what your doc knows and besides, they need to earn their money!). Here's a link to a glossary of terms for sleep studies:
http://www.sleepservicesofjasper.com/1- ... dy%20terms'
But of course you want to ask the sleep doc what the numbers mean.
If you haven't already, ask for a copy of the sleep study report!!
Ask what is your severity. You may already know and the report should tell you, but it's good to make the doctor say it.
I'm sure you'll get lots of good ideas for questions here.
Linda
Say, that's a great idea!
Wish I'd thought of it.
A list of questions is smart. I am assuming you want to ask about your study results, and you might ask what certain terms mean, even if you already know (it's a good test to see what your doc knows and besides, they need to earn their money!). Here's a link to a glossary of terms for sleep studies:
http://www.sleepservicesofjasper.com/1- ... dy%20terms'
But of course you want to ask the sleep doc what the numbers mean.
If you haven't already, ask for a copy of the sleep study report!!
Ask what is your severity. You may already know and the report should tell you, but it's good to make the doctor say it.
I'm sure you'll get lots of good ideas for questions here.
Linda
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jeepdoctor
- Posts: 173
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:23 pm
- Location: "Green Country" Northeastern OK
Ask your sleep doc about:
1. What is my obstruction site?
2. What are my alternatives to CPAP?
3. Tell me about manibular advancement devices.
4. Tell me about surgical treatment alternatives.
5. Do I need a nasal spray? If yes, which one?
6. "I want a Respironics auto PAP so that I can purchase Encore Pro software and monitor my own progress. Please write the prescription for this machine." If s/he refuses, tell her/him that you pay for performance, that s/he is fired and go somewhere else.
7. What is your opinion of frequent SaO2 analyses? Should I buy my own oximeter and software to track oxygen desaturation?
8. Do I need to see a ENT and have my nasal situation scoped-out?
9. Do you use CPAP? Have you ever tried it?
10. Tell me what to expect at the PSG and titration studies. Is there one sleep position I should favor? What sleep position generally produced the highest AHI?
11. If your AHI is less than 15, discuss with your doctor the Medicare requirement for identifying other manifestations such as daytime drousiness in order to be insurance-eligible. (I suspect that a trial lawyer would love this one if you are involved in a car accident.) This is why I suggest asking about sleep position. I slept 130 minutes on my back and my AHI was 22.5. However, my average, based on 1/3 right side, 1/3 supine and 1/3 left side, was 12, which is below the Medicare/Tricare threshold.
12. Discuss mask options. How would the doc suggest you prevent mouth breathing prescribed a nasal interface device? If he says "Use a chin strap", laugh at him. Ask his/her opinion of mouth taping. (It's the only thing that works for me.)
13. Some folks on the web are suggesting daily salt water nasal flushes. Your opinion of this, doctor?
Talk to your insurance company ahead of time about what your cost share will be on a CPAP and heater. Some folks are reporting that their cost share is more than the outright purchase price of a CPAP and heater. Ask your insurer about buying equipment outright and submitting the bill for reimbursement. Calculate your cost share for outright purchase reimbursement if your insurance carrier will allow this. I found out that my insurance carrier has an approved supplier list and that the purchase must be made from an approved supplier in order to be reimbursed.
1. What is my obstruction site?
2. What are my alternatives to CPAP?
3. Tell me about manibular advancement devices.
4. Tell me about surgical treatment alternatives.
5. Do I need a nasal spray? If yes, which one?
6. "I want a Respironics auto PAP so that I can purchase Encore Pro software and monitor my own progress. Please write the prescription for this machine." If s/he refuses, tell her/him that you pay for performance, that s/he is fired and go somewhere else.
7. What is your opinion of frequent SaO2 analyses? Should I buy my own oximeter and software to track oxygen desaturation?
8. Do I need to see a ENT and have my nasal situation scoped-out?
9. Do you use CPAP? Have you ever tried it?
10. Tell me what to expect at the PSG and titration studies. Is there one sleep position I should favor? What sleep position generally produced the highest AHI?
11. If your AHI is less than 15, discuss with your doctor the Medicare requirement for identifying other manifestations such as daytime drousiness in order to be insurance-eligible. (I suspect that a trial lawyer would love this one if you are involved in a car accident.) This is why I suggest asking about sleep position. I slept 130 minutes on my back and my AHI was 22.5. However, my average, based on 1/3 right side, 1/3 supine and 1/3 left side, was 12, which is below the Medicare/Tricare threshold.
12. Discuss mask options. How would the doc suggest you prevent mouth breathing prescribed a nasal interface device? If he says "Use a chin strap", laugh at him. Ask his/her opinion of mouth taping. (It's the only thing that works for me.)
13. Some folks on the web are suggesting daily salt water nasal flushes. Your opinion of this, doctor?
Talk to your insurance company ahead of time about what your cost share will be on a CPAP and heater. Some folks are reporting that their cost share is more than the outright purchase price of a CPAP and heater. Ask your insurer about buying equipment outright and submitting the bill for reimbursement. Calculate your cost share for outright purchase reimbursement if your insurance carrier will allow this. I found out that my insurance carrier has an approved supplier list and that the purchase must be made from an approved supplier in order to be reimbursed.
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jeepdoctor
- Posts: 173
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:23 pm
- Location: "Green Country" Northeastern OK
-
Guest
-
jeepdoctor
- Posts: 173
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:23 pm
- Location: "Green Country" Northeastern OK
re site location
Hi, I cannot get anything on this
http://www.sleepservicesofjasper.com/1- ... dy%20terms
as posted by LDuyer. anyone know what it should be please? thanks.
http://www.sleepservicesofjasper.com/1- ... dy%20terms
as posted by LDuyer. anyone know what it should be please? thanks.
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1