Answers
1. Do I need a referral to have a sleep study?
You need to have a physician's order for a sleep study, much like a prescription for medication. A referral may be needed if your insurance is an HMO type policy; please check with the Customer Service phone number on your insurance card.
Top ↑2. Will this be covered by my insurance?
In most cases, yes, although you may be responsible for a co-pay. Questions about coverage of your particular policy should be directed to the Customer Service number on the back of your Insurance Card.
Top↑3. What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring your completed patient questionaire, any normal bedtime medications and comfortable sleeping attire.
Top↑4. Do I need to take my medications?
Unless instructed differently by your physician, please take all normal medications, in the normal dosage, at the normal times as you do every day.
Top↑You may bring your pillow or favorite blanket, if you wish. Please don't forget to take it with you the next morning.
Top↑Comfortable sleeping attire is recommended. T-shirts and gym shorts are what most patients wear for the study.
Top↑7. May I bring my pet or spouse?
Neither pets nor spouses are allowed at the sleep lab. We need to get an accurate picture of YOUR uninterrupted sleep.
Top↑You will need to arrive at the Sleep Lab at 9:00 p.m. You will leave around 6:00 a.m. the following morning.
Top↑There are no needles involved. A sleep study is non-invasive.
Top↑10. How closely are you going to watch me?
You will have several leads attached to you. This is the most valuable way we 'watch' you sleep. There is also an infrared camera in the patient room so we may monitor your position, movements and need for assistance.
Top↑The study itself does not hurt. Occasionally a patient will have slight irritation the following day in sites where leads were placed.
Top↑12. Will you give me medications to sleep?
The technicians at the Sleep Lab are not licensed to dispense medications. If your ordering physician has prescribed a specific medication for your sleep study, please fill the prescription prior to arriving at the Sleep Lab and you will self-administer your medication prior to the study.
Top↑13. What if I can't go to sleep?
Many patients believe they will not be able to fall asleep; if you feel you fall into this category, please discuss it with your ordering physician. He may prescribe a mild sleep aid, which will not affect your study, but will help you to fall asleep.
Top↑If you normally have a snack before bedtime, please bring it with you, remembering to avoid caffeinated products. Coffee, orange juice and a light snack are provided in the morning, before your departure.
Top↑15. Are there TV's in the rooms?
Patient rooms are equipped with televisions and cable. TV's must be turned off by 11:00 p.m.
Top↑There are no patient showers in the sleep lab. However, you may want to go home to shower before going to work after your sleep test.
Top↑17. Will there be someone there with me?
A sleep tech will be in the Lab all night, monitoring patients for the entire night.
Top↑18. How soon will I know if I have sleep apnea?
Ordering physicians receive a 'scored' copy of your sleep report within 48 hours. They interpret the results. Please contact your ordering physician's office for a follow up appointment to review your results with your physician.
Top↑19. If I need a CPAP machine, does Polk Starlight Sleep Lab provide one?
No. The physician who ordered your sleep study will order your CPAP machine. The machine is delivered by Durable Medical Equipment Company, which is not associated with Polk Starlight Sleep Lab.
Top↑20. Does insurance cover the cost of a CPAP machine?