Most Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a sleep study?
- What is a PAP Titration?
- What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test?
- What will the outcome of the sleep study be?
- What if I’m diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and don’t like sleeping with a mask?
- Are there any side effects of CPAP treatment?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of my sleep study?
- Do I have to call my insurance company to get a sleep study authorized?
- What should I do to prepare for my sleep study?
- What time is the sleep study performed?
- What if I need to cancel or re-schedule?
What is a diagnostic sleep study?
A diagnostic sleep study, or polysomnogram (PSG), is used to monitor and evaluate the patient overnight to help identify a number of sleep disorders and their severity and the best treatment to use.
Before retiring the patient will be connected to a number of leads that will measure and record 16 body signals, including breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity and eye and muscle movements. We’ll monitor how quickly the patient falls asleep, how soon after falling asleep he or she enters the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep and how often waking occurs.
Typically this full-night study conducted if Obstructive Sleep Apnea is strongly suspected or is diagnosed during the diagnostic sleep study. The patient sleeps while wearing a full-face or nasal mask connected to a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to ensure the air pressure is set to the optimum level and the mask is fitted properly. The CPAP machine delivers heated, humidified, pressurized air through tubing to the mask which is fitted around the head to keep the patient’s airway open during sleep.
What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test?
This daytime sleep study is often used to confirm Narcolepsy and its severity by measuring the degree of daytime sleepiness. To ensure accurate results, it is performed on the morning following an overnight sleep study. The patient is asked to nap, usually for less than 30 minutes, every two hours throughout the day, and may nap as many as five times. A technician monitors the patient’s brain activity and records how long it takes the patient to fall asleep after a full night’s sleep and if REM sleep occurs during any of these napping periods.
What will the outcome of the sleep study be?
A board-certified physician specializing in Sleep Medicine will interpret your study, review the technician’s observations, your history and information from your referring physician. If a sleep disorder is discovered, we will work closely with your referring physician to provide ongoing treatment.
What if I’m diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and don’t like sleeping with a mask?
There are a variety of face masks from which to choose, including some new and innovative products that you may not have tried. You can also change the model you use over time, if you wish. Our experience is that most patients adapt to sleeping with a nasal mask or full-face mask very easily and, once they do, they get such a good night’s rest that they don’t want to be without it. However, if you don’t like this form of treatment there are other alternatives: You may be referred to an ear nose and throat doctor, you may try an oral appliance fitted by your dentist or, in some cases, surgery is necessary.
Are there any side effects of CPAP treatment?
No, there shouldn’t be any side effects. The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is an all natural, very common and highly effective way of treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The machine delivers heated, humidified, pressurized air through tubing to a nasal or full-face mask which is fitted around the head to keep the patient’s airway open during sleep. We ensure the air pressure is set to the optimum level and the breathing mask is fitted properly.
Will my insurance cover the cost of my sleep study?
Yes. This is a diagnostic, medical test usually covered at 80-100%, depending on your insurance company. Sleep studies are also covered by Medicare. Our practice is committed to providing the best in sleep diagnostic and treatment for our patients. Our fees are reasonable and follow the usual and customary guidelines for the geographic areas we cover.
Do I have to call my insurance company to get a sleep study authorized?
No. Our staff will obtain pre-authorization from your insurance company for you. We will also check your benefit plan and estimate your portion of the cost, if any.
What should I do to prepare for my sleep study?
The preparations are:
- Please shower prior to arrival and avoid using skin lotions if possible.
- Please bring either pajamas or something similar, such as a tee shirt and shorts.
- Wash and dry your hair prior to arrival. Do not apply any hair spray or hair gels.
- Remove all jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets, except for rings.
- Women should make sure their face is free of makeup and oils.
- Women shouldn’t wear dark polish on the ring or pinkie finger of their non-dominant hand.
- Men should shave any recent facial stubble, although we can work around full beards.
- Avoid napping the day of your study.
- Take any medications normally, as prescribed. We do not dispense any medications.
- There is no need to fast, however avoid caffeine or alcohol after 2:00 p.m. the day of your study.
- Please bring insurance card(s) and a photo identification card such as a driver’s license.
- Please bring your Specialist Office Co-Pay, if applicable.
- We have a shower available for you. Please bring your toiletries along with you.
Feel free to call with any other questions, 720-684-6167.
What time is the sleep study performed?
Your arrival time will vary depending on which of our centers you visit but normally you will arrive between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. The following morning you will rise between 5:30 and 6 a.m. If you need to get up at a different time, let the sleep technician know when you arrive and we’ll accommodate you.
If you work the night shift or need a variation in arrival time for another reason, we will accommodate you with a daytime study.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
If you must reschedule, we require a 24-hour notice. Tests scheduled for Saturday or Sunday must be cancelled by 5:00pm on Friday. If you cancel or miss your appointment without the required notice, we must assess a $200.00 cancellation fee. This will not be covered by insurance.