Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on June 20, 2009 at 12:38pm

Bee,

For accredited sleep labs

http://www.sleepcenters.org/index.aspx

"Sleepcenters.org is compiled and published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as a reference source of professional information on AASM accredited center and laboratory members. Nonmember accredited center/laboratory information is not available through this site. Verification of accredited status should be obtained by contacting the AASM National Office at 708-492-0930 or accreditation@aasmnet.org. "



You can check health care providers and services at:

http://www.qualitycheck.org//Consumer/SearchQCR.aspx

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Permalink Reply by Judy on June 20, 2009 at 6:43pm

In addition, I would ask each lab if they are contracted w/your insurance, and visit the sleep labs during the day, ask to be shown the sleep rooms, are there private baths, do the beds look comfortable, look for the accredidations hanging on the walls. Ask if all sleep techs are RPSGTs, ask who does the scoring your night tech or a day tech, ask if there is a doctor consult before the in-lab sleep evaluation, a doctor consult after the in-lab sleep evaluation, if you are to be brought back in for an in-lab titration how long between the sleep evaluation test and the titration test, is there a consult w/the sleep doctor BEFORE your equipment order is written, are you given any input as to the brand and model CPAP to be scripted, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the doctor's dictated results, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs, are you given a copy of your equipment order (script) so that you can shop the various local DME suppliers contracted w/your insurance.

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Permalink Reply by BeeAsleep on June 20, 2009 at 6:59pm

Thanks Dan and Judy. I only found about 5 sleep labs with the AASM accreditation in my area. So that means I should avoid all others?

Thanks for all the good questions to ask, I appreciate the information.

Judy said:

In addition, I would ask each lab if they are contracted w/your insurance, and visit the sleep labs during the day, ask to be shown the sleep rooms, are there private baths, do the beds look comfortable, look for the accredidations hanging on the walls. Ask if all sleep techs are RPSGTs, ask who does the scoring your night tech or a day tech, ask if there is a doctor consult before the in-lab sleep evaluation, a doctor consult after the in-lab sleep evaluation, if you are to be brought back in for an in-lab titration how long between the sleep evaluation test and the titration test, is there a consult w/the sleep doctor BEFORE your equipment order is written, are you given any input as to the brand and model CPAP to be scripted, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the doctor's dictated results, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs, are you given a copy of your equipment order (script) so that you can shop the various local DME suppliers contracted w/your insurance.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on June 20, 2009 at 7:52pm

I would also check around to see if there are any local apnea support groups and if there is time attend at least one meeting, talk to members there and ask about the sleep lab and sleep doctor they went to and were Dx'd by and how they liked them and how satisfied w/them they are. You might as well as about their DME supplier and how satisfied they are w/them while you are at it.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on June 20, 2009 at 7:55pm

I only have a couple of things to add to Judy's remarks.

1. In so far as the sleep study, you are entitled to a full and complete copy of the study and a copy of the script. Do not accept no. Make and keep copies.
2. Make sure the script is non-descript. In addition to the setting prescribed, it should read "the machine and mask of the patient's choosing." Do not let them corral you into a brand or type. Your comfort is what matters. If you don't like it or it doesn't fit right, you won't use it.


Judy said:

In addition, I would ask each lab if they are contracted w/your insurance, and visit the sleep labs during the day, ask to be shown the sleep rooms, are there private baths, do the beds look comfortable, look for the accredidations hanging on the walls. Ask if all sleep techs are RPSGTs, ask who does the scoring your night tech or a day tech, ask if there is a doctor consult before the in-lab sleep evaluation, a doctor consult after the in-lab sleep evaluation, if you are to be brought back in for an in-lab titration how long between the sleep evaluation test and the titration test, is there a consult w/the sleep doctor BEFORE your equipment order is written, are you given any input as to the brand and model CPAP to be scripted, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the doctor's dictated results, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs, are you given a copy of your equipment order (script) so that you can shop the various local DME suppliers contracted w/your insurance.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on June 20, 2009 at 10:15pm

Not always so bee. The AASM process can be a long one. It can take up to 2 years. If the lab is not registered with the AASM find out how long they have been open. Check the doc's and tech's credentials. make sure that they are trying to get the accreditation. you can find out this info by asking where they are in the process. Also you can check with the AASM to find out what the hold up is with a certain lab. A lab can lose it's acceditation for a number of reasons that don't make the labs a bad one. like switching medical directors or missing a paperwork filing deadline.

Overall I would pick an accredited lab over a none accredited one. you should research both though. A lab that is good at filing paperwork and interviewing could be accredited and still not have good pt care(I have experienced this first hand). While a lab that for some reason can't get the paperwork right could have great patient care. No matter what lab you go to make sure that they offer the services that you want and need. Most importantly make sure that they are going to be available to you.

BeeAsleep said:

Thanks Dan and Judy. I only found about 5 sleep labs with the AASM accreditation in my area. So that means I should avoid all others?

Thanks for all the good questions to ask, I appreciate the information.

Judy said:

In addition, I would ask each lab if they are contracted w/your insurance, and visit the sleep labs during the day, ask to be shown the sleep rooms, are there private baths, do the beds look comfortable, look for the accredidations hanging on the walls. Ask if all sleep techs are RPSGTs, ask who does the scoring your night tech or a day tech, ask if there is a doctor consult before the in-lab sleep evaluation, a doctor consult after the in-lab sleep evaluation, if you are to be brought back in for an in-lab titration how long between the sleep evaluation test and the titration test, is there a consult w/the sleep doctor BEFORE your equipment order is written, are you given any input as to the brand and model CPAP to be scripted, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the doctor's dictated results, how long between testing and your receiving a copy of the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs, are you given a copy of your equipment order (script) so that you can shop the various local DME suppliers contracted w/your insurance.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on June 20, 2009 at 10:21pm

I think a lab that hires a wide variety of techs can have a little bit more to offer. My lab has 4 RPSGTs, 2REEGTs, 3RRTs, and 3 RN credentials. this stacked with several BS and varias other degrees makes for one hell of a PM think tank. Just my opinion though.

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Permalink Reply by BeeAsleep on June 20, 2009 at 10:52pm

ALL fantastic advice! I will do the research with all your comments in hand. I have become pretty annoying that way. :>D

I know that the information for what RPSGTs REEGTs RRT and RN (which I think I know) stand for are on this site somewhere. I will try to find it. Thanks as always.

Rock Hinkle said:

I think a lab that hires a wide variety of techs can have a little bit more to offer. My lab has 4 RPSGTs, 2REEGTs, 3RRTs, and 3 RN credentials. this stacked with several BS and varias other degrees makes for one hell of a PM think tank. Just my opinion though.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on June 20, 2009 at 11:15pm

Rock HInkle, I think I'm coming down to Circle City for my next PSG!!!!! No REEGT or RN at the sleep lab I went to. *sigh*

I have to confess - having been thru several sleep evaluations and titrations now ... I"m the nosey type, I'd also be asking what PSG software they use and can they make a CD of the full study and if so will they. This is NOT important stuff for you to ask, Bee. Its just the confessions of a PITA patient.*wicked grin* And I'd be curious too if they could provide a copy of the video run during the night - simply becuase one of my friends in MD when she had her PSG was asked if she wanted a copy of the video. She didn't - but we had a good laugh harking back to our much younger days and a black/white commercial on TV of a guy in bed tossing and turning in fast, fast forward and the blankets and sheets ending up on the floor etc. We both remember the commercial but NOT what it was for!!! Any way we had a good laugh that she should have gotten the copy so we could watch it in fast, fast forward motion for a few laughs.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on June 21, 2009 at 1:49am

I am studying to be an RPSGT Bee. This stands for a Registered Polysomnograph Technician commonly called a sleep tech. REEGT is a Electroneurodiagnostic Technician. This tech does a more complex psg than is performed in sleep. These are usually for stroke, siezure, or head trauma victims. they also do psgs for brain surgeries. Very fascinating they actually hook the electrodes directly to the brain. My wife is currently trying to get into an END program right now. Cross your fingers she interviews on thursday. RTs are Respiratory Technicians. the three of these fields cross over into one another on quite a few things. RN= Registered Nurse. Never bad to have a certified nurse around. I do not know where you live. We are lucky in Indy to have The I.U. medical school. They have a wide assortment of great teachers and medical programs. not saying you are going to be able to find this variety everywhere, but look for a variety nonetheless.

Judy we would love to have you. Not sure about the video, but we do run a pretty progressive lab. Couldn't hurt to ask. We run Sandman and use respironics though. Sandman is the best psg program in my opinion. i have used compumedics and alice as well. Sandman allows the tech to break down a psg and look at it as many ways as he/she wants. The isolation window features are outstanding. we upgrade this week and I can't wait.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on June 21, 2009 at 9:52am

Hey, Rock. Maybe I should become a "professional PSG patient"!!! *wicked grin* At least now I can sleep thru most all the night during a PSG whether evaluation or titration. My first 2006 titration I only slept 42 minutes out of 6 hours bedtime. My second 2006 titration I only slept 98 minutes out of 6 hours bedtime. I have no idea why since I'd spent some 2 1/2 months on CPAP and mask back in 1996 or 1998 so it wasn't like it was something new and strange and I didn't have any problems w/claustrophia or the ilk. The only reason I didn't stay on CPAP back in the 1990s was because I was allowed only the one mask and it was chewing my face up something fierce. I didn't sleep for beans but I was compliant the entire night the entire 2 1/2 months.

No biggie about the video. I'm sure the humor watching it in fast, fast forward would wear thin long before we made it all the way thru the video to the end.

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Permalink Reply by BeeAsleep on June 21, 2009 at 10:27am

So when you study to be an RPSGT does that mean you are now a REEGT? How do you study for the RPSGT? Through a 4 year university? Unlike Judy, I am for sure not interested in becoming a sleep tech. :>D WAY, way too left brain and technical for me. I would be more interested in the colors of the lines in the graphs. :>D Great info thanks!

Rock Hinkle said:

I am studying to be an RPSGT Bee. This stands for a Registered Polysomnograph Technician commonly called a sleep tech. REEGT is a Electroneurodiagnostic Technician. This tech does a more complex psg than is performed in sleep. These are usually for stroke, siezure, or head trauma victims. they also do psgs for brain surgeries. Very fascinating they actually hook the electrodes directly to the brain. My wife is currently trying to get into an END program right now. Cross your fingers she interviews on thursday. RTs are Respiratory Technicians. the three of these fields cross over into one another on quite a few things. RN= Registered Nurse. Never bad to have a certified nurse around. I do not know where you live. We are lucky in Indy to have The I.U. medical school. They have a wide assortment of great teachers and medical programs. not saying you are going to be able to find this variety everywhere, but look for a variety nonetheless.

Judy we would love to have you. Not sure about the video, but we do run a pretty progressive lab. Couldn't hurt to ask. We run Sandman and use respironics though. Sandman is the best psg program in my opinion. i have used compumedics and alice as well. Sandman allows the tech to break down a psg and look at it as many ways as he/she wants. The isolation window features are outstanding. we upgrade this week and I can't wait.

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