How often to have follow up visits?

Sleepyinpdx · Post by **Sleepyinpdx** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:25 pm

I was wondering how often most sleep apnea patients have follow up visits with their sleep specialist once the intial studies are done and pressure problems, etc. are ironed out?

Kenneth P. · Post by **Kenneth P.** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:28 pm

after starting CPAP.I seen him 6 month's&then 6 month's later..now I see him once a year..

LSAT · Post by **LSAT** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:32 pm

I saw my sleep doctor initially...then 3 months later. I have not seen him in the past 4 years. I don't need him for anything. At my annual physical I ask my PCP to write me a new prescription (in case I need it for anything).

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:44 pm

After the follow up when my doctor realized I was happily babbling about AHI and leak data and getting my stuff via the internet, he told me it was my choice if or when I wanted to come back. He gave me an open requisition for the sleep lab if my data went haywire. I haven seen him since. I think this is my 3rd year( have to look t when I first join here).

Suddenly Worn Out · Post by **Suddenly Worn Out** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:51 pm

They should see you once a year after you are initially diagnosed and adjusted to the CPAP gear. Twice a year if you are having problems such as weight gain. More if you are having acute problems such as residual fatigue or a high AHI or other problems.

You are SUPPOSED to go back and see your sleep doc for a new sleep study, with possible adjustments, if you gain or lose more than oh, ten to 20 pounds. You might need a new sleep study with a new titration for adjustment.

I would not use a sleep medicine doctor who diagnosed me, rxed me equipment and just cut me loose, IMO that is malpractice. They are supposed to followup on you.

Like I said, for compliant patients who are doing OK, once a year is OK.

Eric

KEQ5 · Post by **KEQ5** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:14 pm

My first follow-up was 6 weeks after I got the machine. Mostly for insurance reasons and to see if I had any questions about the machine / therapy. Since I had already been changing my settings and taking charge of my therapy - there wasn't much to talk about.

Next appointment is 6 months after the first one. I expect that will be a short visit as well, unless I start to struggle with the therapy. But since my AHI is generally under 2.5 (usually 1.0-1.5) and I'm feeling better, I'm fine with that.

I've spoken to the Respiratory Therapist at the DME for longer then I have the Pulmonary doctor.

nanwilson · Post by **nanwilson** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:28 pm

Never. I manage my own therapy, I have not seen the doctor or the dme since the day I bought my gear over 2 years ago..

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:39 pm

Suddenly Worn Out wrote:They should see you once a year after you are initially diagnosed and adjusted to the CPAP gear. Twice a year if you are having problems such as weight gain. More if you are having acute problems such as residual fatigue or a high AHI or other problems.

You are SUPPOSED to go back and see your sleep doc for a new sleep study, with possible adjustments, if you gain or lose more than oh, ten to 20 pounds. You might need a new sleep study with a new titration for adjustment.

Why waste their time and (in my case) taxpayers money just to have him/her say "you ok?" "yes" "bye" . My sleep doc was a pulmonologist in a busy hospital. He had people with far more life threatening issue to deal with. He made sure I knew what I was doing and what to check for. I am a functional adult, I can read a number and figure out if it is bigger then 5 and be trusted to take appropriate action.

JohnO · Post by **JohnO** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:40 pm

At my clinic, the standard order of events is as follows:

Initial Consultation --> Split Study w/Titration and machine assignment --> 10 day followup appointment for "official" review of sleep study data and review of initial data/answer questions/review prescription --> 30 day followup to review data, etc. After that, the clinic recommends once a year for an office checkup.

I'm sure different medical organizations have different programs, and, of course, whether you choose to follow a program at all is up to you.

Also - Kenneth below reminded me - I also have to visit the FAA AME so that I can keep my aviation medical which allows me to pilot aircraft.

John

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:41 pm

Haven't seen anyone in 8 yrs and everything's fine. Data makes all the difference. That and this forum.

Kenneth P. · Post by **Kenneth P.** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 7:55 pm

post'd earlier..I drive a truck & since I have started CPAP it has tag'd my DOT medical card...I have to get a new card every yr. now..I have to show the DOT doctor that I'm managing my sleep order..So I schedule my yr. doc. apointment with my sleep doc a month before so he can download my machine info&get a letter from him showing that I'm in compliance

Suddenly Worn Out · Post by **Suddenly Worn Out** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:04 pm

Because once yearly sleep medicine followups is good general medicine. A sleep medicine physician with a good work ethic can detect things that you cant. They know what questions to ask. While I appreciate this forum and the company that sponsors it, as I have bought much from the company that sponsors this forum, I have to say that this forum does not substitute for IRL medical consultation.

A good example. Back in the Spring I was having severe and chronic stomach pain from regular pressure CPAP. It was an ongoing thing. My sleep medicine specialist suggested "have you ever tried a Bipap?" I replied, "no whats that?" Next thing you know I got an auto-bipap that gets rid of my stomach pain.

Many people have to be coaxed out of whatever is bothering them and people change over time. A yearly visit to the sleep medicine doctor is prudent and just good medicine.

BTW, I dont use Canada's socialist medicine program as a model for any kind of decent medical program. So the "wasting taxpayer money" thing wont swing as a good excuse.

Eric

BlackSpinner wrote:
Suddenly Worn Out wrote:They should see you once a year after you are initially diagnosed and adjusted to the CPAP gear. Twice a year if you are having problems such as weight gain. More if you are having acute problems such as residual fatigue or a high AHI or other problems.

You are SUPPOSED to go back and see your sleep doc for a new sleep study, with possible adjustments, if you gain or lose more than oh, ten to 20 pounds. You might need a new sleep study with a new titration for adjustment.
Why waste their time and (in my case) taxpayers money just to have him/her say "you ok?" "yes" "bye" . My sleep doc was a pulmonologist in a busy hospital. He had people with far more life threatening issue to deal with. He made sure I knew what I was doing and what to check for. I am a functional adult, I can read a number and figure out if it is bigger then 5 and be trusted to take appropriate action.

ems · Post by **ems** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:16 pm

Suddenly Worn Out wrote:people change over time. A yearly visit to the sleep medicine doctor is prudent and just good medicine.

That's how I feel also. I've learned a lot here, but still not a substitute for a sleep specialist... especially one you know is very knowledgeable and you trust.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:57 pm

Mine gets to see me once a year.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:06 pm

Don't have one anymore... that was 2 moves ago.

If I need a new script I'll ask one of my dr's.

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