Common questions
The questions the office is asked most often. If yours is not here, ring and ask it.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your plan rather than on us. PPO products usually allow you to refer yourself; HMO and Medicaid managed-care products often require your primary care doctor to send you. See cost and insurance, and ring us with your card and we will check.
What will it cost?
That depends on your plan and on what is ordered, so we check your benefits before anything is scheduled rather than after. The full explanation, including Medicare’s published allowed amounts for sleep studies, is on cost and insurance.
Can I just do a home sleep test?
Sometimes, and it is a clinical decision rather than a choice. A home test suits uncomplicated adults at increased risk of moderate to severe apnea. Several conditions require the laboratory instead, including significant heart or lung disease, chronic opioid use, a history of stroke and severe insomnia. The full list is on sleep testing.
Do I have to use CPAP?
No. It is the most effective treatment and worth a real attempt, but there are alternatives and needing one is not a failure. See CPAP alternatives.
I tried CPAP years ago and hated it. Is it worth trying again?
Frequently, yes. Masks, humidification and auto-titrating devices have changed, and most trouble is a fitting or settings problem. Bring the old machine if you still have it.
Will the sleep study be uncomfortable?
Most people sleep less well than at home and the study still works; it does not need a perfect night.
Is there a medicine for sleep apnea?
There is one, approved in December 2024, for moderate to severe apnea in adults with obesity, used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not a replacement for CPAP. See Zepbound.
Do you treat children?
Everything on this site is written for adults.
How soon can I be seen?
Ring and ask; the front desk will tell you honestly.