Questions pop up on how to find a sleep doctor, a DME and/or a sleep study lab.  This topic is here to try and help you in that process.
Your situation may be different, but perhaps some of what is provided in these posts will be of help to you.

The following is a post by with recommendations by Vicki:

Quote:

You can find a doc. here:

Doctor and Sleep Lab Accreditations

For DMEs, first you will need a list of DMEs your insurance contracts with.  Then you take that list and shop around.  Here are questions to ask them and the ideal answers:

1.  Ask them them how long it takes to get a CPAP after the prescription is faxed to them.
Answer:  We will immediately call you to set up an appointment as soon as we get the prescription.

2.  Do I go to you or do you come to me?
Answer:  Our respiratory therapist comes to your home and walks you through setting it up and using it.
Second Best Answer:  You come to our office where our respiratory therapist walks you through setting it up and using it.

3.  Do I get a choice of interface types (i.e. nasal masks, Full Face masks and nasal pillows)  and mask brands?
Answer:  Yes

4.  Can I try on different interface types and masks to see what works best for me?
Answer:  Yes-For many DMEs, if you open up the packaging to a mask, you have to buy it.  I fortunately have had above average DMEs and sleep labs who have let me try on different interfaces.  Pust it on and adjust it in the position you will be sleeping.  For example, laying down, on your side.  Masks will leak if you adjust them sitting up and then lay down.  Turn on the CPAP after you have the mask adjusted in your sleeping position, not before.

5.  What kind of follow-up do you have?
Answer:  We will call you in a few days to make sure everything is working well for you.

6.  What if I have trouble?
Answer:  Call us if you have any problems and we (preferably their respiratory therapist) will work with you to resolve any issues.

I'm sure people will have questions to add, but this should get you started.

Vicki

Linda



Last edited by Linda on Mon May 15, 2006 9:47 am; edited 2 times in total

If you are interested in the possibility of using an online DME, you can shop for particular products using Froogle, a division of Google.
You will have to search by key words, like "cpap mask" for example.  The following is the link:

www.froogle.com

Also, you can use this link to our Equipment Pricing Guide which will help you find certain products through Froogle:
Click here for link to Equipment Pricing Guide



Linda

The following is information on finding a sleep study center:
Click here for link to FAQ topic on sleep study centers




The following are tips for finding a doctor or an accredited sleep study lab, provided by Vicki:

Quote:

Hi Everyone!

It is really important to see a doctor who is is a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine.  While that does not guarantee their competency in treating you, at least they will be more informed in the area of sleep disorders.  By the same token, many good sleep labs do not have their accreditations (the two I have used over the years are just getting around to getting theirs), but having it lets you know they have a certain level of expertise.  Here are the links to the associations which provide accreditations for doctors and sleep labs.  These sites describe the requirements for accreditation and lists those doctors and sleep labs which are accredited (or a Diplomat).

The organization which accredits sleep labs:
http://www.aasmnet.org/

American Board of Sleep Medicine
http://www.absm.org/

Vicki

I have to disagree w/this statement:

Quote:

...  Turn on the CPAP after you have the mask adjusted in your sleeping position, not before. ...

Your xPAP is best turned on to 10 cms or your pressure setting WHILE fitting your mask. Most masks, full face and nasal cushion, need that cushion filled w/air for the best seal and least amount of leak. Having your xPAP turned on will generally allow for LESS tightened straps and more comfort as well as better seal. Tightening the headgear straps too tight can not only cause great discomfort but can actually reduce the effectiveness of your mask's seal.

Also, if there is an apnea support group in your area, go to a few meetings and make it a point to talk to the members and ask how they like their sleep doctor and sleep lab and what it is they do or don't like about their doctor and sleep lab. Just call your local hospital(s) and sleep labs to ask if there is an apnea support group in your area. IF there is more than one try attending meetings by all of them and meeting and talking to the members. You can also ask members who their local DME provider is and if they are happy or at least satisfied w/them or not and WHY.


_________________
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