| A Polysomnogram (PSG) is a
“sleep study” with 16 or more recording channels
that records several physiological variables, including
EEG (Electroencephalogram), EOG (electrooculogram), Electromyogram
(chin, leg, intercostal), ECG, respiratory airflow and effort
and oximetry. A qualified polysomnographic technologist
attends the study all night and the study is “scored”
by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist, including
sleep staging, EEG arousals, sleep disordered breathing,
limb movements, snoring, oxygen desaturations, and other
abnormalities such as seizure activity, ECG arrhythmias
and unusual behaviors during sleep. All Polysmomnograms
include synchronized digital video monitoring.
A polysomnogram with CPAP is a standard polysomnogram with
the introduction and titration of continuous positive airway
pressure (CPAP), Bi-Level PAP or Variable Positive Airway
Pressure (VPAP) to treat sleep disordered breathing. Split
night studies involve a baseline testing period followed
by a treatment period with PAP titration.
A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) distinguishes between
narcolepsy and other disorders of excessive somnolence.
A diagnostic PSG is performed on the night prior to multiple
sleep latency testing the following day. The MSLT consists
of a series of nap opportunities that are performed in two-hour
intervals in order to determine how quickly a person falls
asleep and which stage of sleep occurs at sleep onset. A
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is designed to assess
daytime function when there are clinical questions concerning
treatment efficacy or concerning patient safety.
Most insurance companies will pay for sleep disorder testing
when performed in a Sleep Disorders Center. Each insurance
company has different plans with levels of deductibles and
co-pays. Most require patients to pay their deductibles
and co-pays to the facility at the time of service. Sleep
Management Centers will verify benefits prior to testing
and advise patients of their insurance plan’s coverage.
A Home Sleep Test (HST) is an alternative to the traditional
Polysomnogram (PSG) and can be done in the patient’s
home under certain circumstances. This test requires just
a few cardiopulmonary variables to be recorded and is used
only to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Once prescribed
by a physician the patient is instructed by our staff how
to apply the sensors for a successful recording in the comfort
of their own home. The recording device is then returned
to SMC the following day where the study will be promptly
downloaded and analyzed. This service is now covered by
Medicare and some other medical insurance plans.
Apnea Management Services, LLC
is a separate company located within Sleep Management Centers,
LLC. Apnea Management Services specializes in the treatment
of sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing (SDB). This
service assures that patients are provided comprehensive
treatment for their sleep disorder. Should you require treatment
for SDB, your physician may prescribe a therapeutic Positive
Airway Pressure (PAP) device. Apnea Management Services
can assist you in choosing the right device per your prescription.
Successful use of PAP equipment and patient compliance is
directly related to the care provided by your home care
provider. At Apnea Management Services, we ensure that the
equipment is properly calibrated to the prescribed pressure
setting and that you are provided the most comfortable delivery
system (CPAP mask, headgear, etc.). Follow-up care is vital
to long-term compliance, and our computerized monitoring
program ensures a positive outcome. Treatment options available
are:
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