I have just started getting all the preliminary work done before surgery.

After filling out several pages of info regarding sleep issues, my doctor's program coord. told me she didn't think I would need a sleep study. Then when I went to an educational meeting the rep from the sleep study clinic said she would be contacting me for an appt. She called and tried to set up the appt. When I asked how much it would cost she told me $8,000. I'm sure she heard my jaw drop to the floor. I can't believe it costs that much. Then she realized I was a self-payer and said she would get back to me. I feel like I am being jerked around.

Anyway, my question is.. although my BCBS insurance excludes the surgery, do you know if it normally cover sleep studies?? IF so, would I have a better chance if I have my PCP order it?

I am under the impression that sleep study is only for helping to prove co-morbidity to help get insurance to pay for the band. I have never heard of needing a sleep study for a self pay patient.

When I was pre-op it was brought up to me UNTIL it was pointed out that I am self pay and "oops, never mind that is only for insurance patients".

My doctor used the sleep study to determine if I would stay overnite or do outpatient surgery. The results came out good so I had surgery this morning at 7:00 am and was home by 1:00 pm. He did say it could help me get approved if I had sleep apnea. Good luck.:cursing:

$8k sleep study???!!! maybe I shold be getting paid more, like $500/hour......no, I've never seen a test cost that much ever. Price will vary especially with self pay patients. Most insurance will cover sleep study with a proper prescription. BCBS is one huge company so coverage will vary , but now-a-days almost every BCBS covers at least a portion. I would find anoth lab as well.

Even a decade ago, I've never seen anyone pay more than $1500 cash for a sleep study. insurances are billed diffrently.

disclaimer: I am a sleep professional and have been in this industry for over 13 years. I am lab manager for a prestigious medical center and it's satellite office....

Regarding how much a sleep study costs...I would agree $1500 self pay would seem like the max. My HMO referral listed the sleep study and amount they get paid $387. So, considering the HMO gets about a 50-60% discounted rate, I'd go with around $800-$1000...and I live in a crazy mark-up suburb of Chicago.

Good luck on your journey!