A Sleep apnea exam is a requirement for surgery approval but my insurance only does self testing where they'll mail me the equipment to test I use overnight and mail it all back. Has anyone else had to do a self administered exam?? Kind of nervous

A Sleep apnea exam is a requirement for surgery approval but my insurance only does self testing where they'll mail me the equipment to test I use overnight and mail it all back. Has anyone else had to do a self administered exam?? Kind of nervous

Wow never heard of self testing. It's a requirement for me as well. I'm going today for my sleep study consult.

Hi! Sleep tech here. Home sleep studies have been on the rise in the past few years. Its kind of like a preliminary screening. Our lab gives them out as some insurances don't want to pay for the in lab diagnostic test that is more accurate. Sometimes patients end up in the lab for their sleep study after a home sleep test because the results were inconclusive. It should not be hard for you to apply the equipment. An example would be a soft belt to go around your chest, a nasal cannula, and a probe that tapes to your finger. This should all be connected into a box type device. I hope I helped!

Yes I w Kaiser & they set up an appointment show you how to use home kit & send it home w you & you return it next day or 2 .. was only a finger device ... no belt or nose cannula & if are inconclusive they send it home with you again to retest before they would do an overnight ..they set an appointment to read & explain about treatments or providing apnea machine if you come out positive.

Over night pulse ox (finger probe) is not the same as an at home sleep study. Our lab has you pick up and drop off equipment to us at the hospital. I've worked for other facilities who do the same or send a tech/ representative to your home. Are you sure your insurance won't approve an over night in -lab study? They like to approve at home tests because they are "cheaper" but they aren't as accurate and some times end up in repeated testing. We've had patients request an in -lab study vs the over night home sleep study they unusually recommend. Some insurances let you choose. Good luck!

Thank you all for the help!! It is greatly appreciated only 2 things left on my requirement lists sleep apnea & EBD

I know Kaiser was crazy for sending that kit w only the finger attachment I don't think it's accurate at all .. last test had all three nose finger & belt. I went from mild to severe .. that can't be right w only finger attachment lol
... anyway Im having a retest at sleep lab next week w Kaiser.. they try to save by not doing overnight only to have to do it anyway .

Good luck w yours !!

Just now, kbellakat said:

I know Kaiser was crazy for sending that kit w only the finger attachment I don't think it's accurate at all .. last test had all three nose finger & belt. I went from mild to severe .. that can't be right w only finger attachment lol
... anyway Im having a retest at sleep lab next week w Kaiser.. they try to save by not doing overnight only to have to do it anyway .

We (me and my co-workers) get so frustrated when they do that. Then when it doesn't work correctly they end up billing you again for a repeat. They do it to save money but it's not the best option for the patient. I've seen false positives and people under diagnosed.

So true !!

Wow never heard of self testing. It's a requirement for me as well. I'm going today for my sleep study consult.

My insurance wouldn't pay for a real study so i picked the machine up and did it at home.