Finally seeing a doc...what to expect?

After 4+ months on cpap, and still feeling about the same as before, and still having AHI's in the 5-8 range, I am finally getting in to see an actual sleep doctor (neurologist) this next week.

I originally had to nearly beg for a sleep study, as my regular doc didn't think it was necessary. (Turns out it was necessary, I do have sleep apnea.) I was told my results would be ready for my doctor in three days. Nearly a week later, after much "nagging", I was finally able to get an Rx from my regular doctor for an apap machine and mask, with a pressure setting of 11. The DME contacted the doctor and got the okay to change it to a range of pressures, since I had the apap capability. I have tried and tried to tweak the pressures to get my ahi down, but have been unsuccessful so far. I have occasional nights with AHI lower than 5, but they are far from the norm. My regular doctor admits that I know more about sleep apnea at this point than he does, and finally agreed to a referral.

Now I'm just curious as to what to expect when I meet with my new doctor. And I'm also curious as to how much information I should bring along. I have the Encore Viewer program, and have copies of most of the daily reports. I also did a report for each month (pages 1-3 for those familiar with Encore) that I have been on therapy.

Other than my questions, what else should I bring? What should I expect? I know all doctors are different, but I'd like to be as prepared as I can be. What have your experiences been with new doctors?

Thanks!
jbn

Along with your list of questions, I would bring copy of you sleep/titration report, results of any lab work/medical tests done in past year, and list of all meds you regularly take. Let us know how it goes.

My two cents:

1) Write down your questions or concerns about your therapy in advance and organize and prioritize them. That way you won't forget to ask what's really important to you. Bring one copy of your questions for your doctor and once copy for yourself. And bring something to write with and something to write on.

2) Bring a copy of your sleep study if possible. This is so you can discuss it and write on your copy if you want to.

3) If you have a significant other, bring him along if possible. Be sure to add his name on the HIPPA form too if you want him to have any access to your medical records. It's the only way that he can discuss any bizzarre stuff that's going on if you're having side affects to medication for example.

4) Print out a copy of the relevant summary pages of the Encore Viewer reports for your medical records and give the to your doctor. Don't expect him to really read them. But at least give him the chance. That way you clearly establish a paper trail that makes it clear the doctor has enough data to know whether your therapy is really doing you any good. I don't know that you need to print out the detailed data for every single day, but certainly printing off pp. 1--3 for your medical records is NOT unreasonable. Printing off four months of detailed daily event data probably is, however, unless there's some specific problem that you're really needing the doctor to look at. And then it may be better to only print off a select subset of the detailed data. The last week, perhaps?

5) Write down a list of all your other doctor's names, offices, phones, addresses and bring them with you. Remember to include your dentist. Also expect the questionaire to ask when the last time you saw each doctor and what the visit was for. And all meds you're currently on---both OTC and prescription AND any dietary or herbal supplements you take. These questions really caught me by surprise for some reason.

Thanks for the responses so far!

Most of the information (i.e. sleep study report, medications taken, doctors seen, etc) is all in the computer system already, as this doctor is within the same medical "group" as my other doctors. They go over my medication list nearly every time I am seen for any reason. I will be sure to bring my copies of things along, and it's a good idea to have a summary report for the doctor to keep. Unfortunately, my husband will not be able to come with me--time off is at a premium at his job right now. But, I will be sure to take good notes.

Keep the ideas coming!

This is obvious, but be sure you bring your machine so they can do their own download of your data and make adjustments if need be. Write down how you are feeling- sleeping, sleepy during the day, headaches, etc. so you don't forget any symptoms you are having now. Are you better, worse, the same since starting cpap?
Good luck, hope you get a good doc.

Mary Z wrote:This is obvious, but be sure you bring your machine so they can do their own download of your data and make adjustments if need be. ...

Is it okay to just bring the data card, if I know how to make the adjustments myself?

They usually prefer to make adjustments themselves, though you can ask your doc about that. Better safe than sorry. Take the machine. They will need to verify that it is set up right.

you generally don't hear of the Respironics machines needing to be brought to the doctor's office... I've only had 1 request to take mine to the DME's to be checked. Usually the card is enough.

I have heard plenty of the Resmed's being requested to be brought to the doctor's office.

My doc aked for both, when I had a respironics and a ResMed. Where is the harm in taking it it? Better, yet, call the office and ask them.