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Of the nearly 1 billion adults estimated to have OSA worldwide, about 80% remain undiagnosed and many experience symptoms for a long time before receiving a referral for definitive diagnosis.14,15,16

If you suspect a patient is at risk for sleep apnea, it is important that the patient undergoes appropriate sleep testing for a conclusive diagnosis. Here are suggested steps you can take to support your patients that could benefit from getting a sleep apnea test and care.

Choosing the right sleep test for patients

A variety of sleep tests help ensure you can address the unique needs of your patients. Find the testing option that best supports your patients’ care goals and aligns with your clinical evaluation:

Home sleep tests (HSTs) are recommended for patients who have signs and symptoms of OSA and no other significant medical conditions.13 As of 2020, it is estimated that 60-70% of sleep studies for suspected sleep apnea are done using home-based tests.17

  • Increased speed to diagnosis: HSTs may help reduce the wait time for sleep apnea testing and diagnosis.
  • Convenient: HSTs are less intrusive and can be more comfortable for patients, which can promote willingness and readiness for testing.
  • Cost-effective: HSTs are generally more affordable than in-lab sleep studies, making them accessible to more patients.*
  • Accurate: Studies have demonstrated that some HSTs used in the preliminary screening of patients with suspected sleep apnea achieved an accuracy of more than 90%.18
  • Several pathways for access: Qualified providers may order HSTs through an independent diagnostic testing facility (IDTF) that offer virtual care and testing services with board-certified sleep specialists.

In-lab polysomnography sleep studies (PSG) are a reliable option for patients with more complex conditions requiring comprehensive monitoring.13

Referral process is the same for either testing option.

Essential information for sleep test orders

Easily order a sleep test using the information you and your healthcare team already document during routine physical evaluations.

To ensure an efficient ordering process for you and your patients and prevent delays, be sure to confirm prior authorization with the patient’s insurance provider.

Patient demographics and information, such as height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, neck size, lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking or alcohol consumption), sleep history, physical exam results (e.g. upper airway anatomy, cardiopulmonary, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurologic systems). You can also include results from a validated sleep questionnaire like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or STOP-BANG.

Patient medical history and symptoms, noting that some payers may require up to four symptoms related to sleep apnea, though at least two should be documented.

Common sleep apnea symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, breathing pauses during sleep and mood changes19.

Recent and relevant medical documentation including updated progress notes or records that reflect the evaluation and the reasoning behind the recommendation for sleep apnea testing.

What to expect after ordering a sleep test

After ordering a sleep test, a few key actions follow to prepare patients for their test:

  1. For HSTs, ensure the patient receives the equipment and instructions for conducting the test at home.
  2. For PSG sleep studies, coordinate with the testing center to ensure everything is set for the patient’s sleep evaluation.
  3. Discuss the testing procedure with the patient, addressing any questions or concerns they may have.

 

Once the test results are available, the following steps help lay the foundation for effective care:

  1. Review the sleep test results to gain detailed insights into the patient’s condition.
  2. Receive a definitive diagnosis from a board-certified sleep specialist who reviews the test results.
  3. Discuss the diagnosis with the patient, clearly explaining the findings and discussing potential next steps in their care plan.

 

Confidently navigate the sleep apnea pathway – in just 4 steps.

Step 1: Screen

Screen patients for sleep apnea

Learn more
Step 2: Test

Order a sleep test for 
at- risk patients

Step 3: Prescribe

Prescribe effective treatment plans

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Step 4: Treat

Start therapy

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Additional resources and links

Explore the range of sleep study types available for your patients.

Learn more

Get essential information on Medicare coverage requirements for HST devices.

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References:

  1. Kapur et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017 Mar 15;13(3):479-504.
  2. Benjafield et al. Lancet Respir Med. 2019 Aug;7(8):687-698.
  3. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (n.d.). Hidden health crisis costing America billions. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://aasm.org/resources/pdf/sleep-apnea-economic-crisis.pdf
  4. Finkel et al. Sleep Med. 2009 Aug;10(7):753-8.
  5. Harvard Health Publishing. Worried about sleep apnea? Home-based testing is now the norm. Page last reviewed August 21, 2020.
  6. Hung et al. J Chin Med Assoc. 2022 Jul 1;85(7):788-792.

*Costs of HSTs may vary.