Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What insurance do you accept, and do I need a referral?
Ans. We accept most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Most plans that require you to pick a Primary Care Physician will require that physician to issue a referral number to us.
Q. How much does my insurance cover?
Ans. Coverage varies from policy to policy. Most major insurance companies will pay 80% of reasonable and customary if we are considered “in Network”. For the most accurate information you may call the customer service number on your card to check the coverage for your policy.
Q. What happens on my first visit?
Ans. Generally, your first visit will be an office visit. This appointment takes about one hour. After reviewing your medical information, sleep history, and a brief exam we will determine if you need a sleep study(s). The Doctor or Nurse will explain which study(s) you need and have them scheduled before you leave the office. Read your appointment letter carefully to find out if your first visit is a daytime office visit or if it is a sleep study visit at night only. See our section on “What to Expect” for more info on sleep studies.
Q. Why do I need to do blood work (Thyroid function test) before I come in for my sleep study?
Ans. Several insurance companies are beginning to require a TSH level check before authorizing sleep studies. If you have a thyroid condition and are unaware of it, treating the thyroid problem often can improve sleepiness. We need a copy of the lab results in our office a day or two ahead of your scheduled sleep study. This will make sure we have time to call your insurance for authorization and can avoid having to reschedule your study. Even if your insurance does not require it, it is a good idea to have some baseline labs done to make sure you have no hidden conditions.
Q. My appointment letter says I have an office visit in the afternoon and a sleep study the same night. What do I do in between the two appointments?
Ans. If you live more than an hour or two away from the office and do not come this way often for other reasons, we may schedule both visits in one day for your convenience.. There are restaurants, shopping centers, etc to visit to pass the time. Please let us know if it would be easier for you to schedule the two appointments on different days.
Q. Do you provide ambulette/livery service?
Ans. Yes we provide this service for patients who are under the Medicare/ Medicaid insurance plan. We also provide this service for patients are 64 > only with the physicians prescription/ form.
Q. Why do I need two overnight studies?
Ans. The most accurate way to do sleep testing is to have one full night of diagnostic testing, followed by one full night of treatment if you have sleep apnea. The most common treatment for apnea is CPAP (pronounced see-pap). See our section on sleep apnea and treatment for more information. On occasion, the technicians may be able to complete part of both tests in one night, called a split night study.
Q. Why do I need a sleep study if I am planning on a Gastric Bypass?
Ans. Your doctor that is going to do the surgery on you needs to know if you have sleep apnea. Your surgeon can discuss why it is very important to have you use CPAP for sleep apnea even though you will be undergoing surgery for weight reduction.
Q. Do you supply CPAP machines for your patients?
Ans. No, the Sleep Center does not supply CPAP machines. The machines themselves are purchased through independent companies that provide home healthcare. Most insurance companies cover the cost of CPAP machines, but you should check with your insurance if you want to know how much they will cover. The home healthcare company will be responsible for maintenance of your machine and additional supplies you may need.
Q. If I had a sleep study more than one year ago, do I need another?
Ans. If you have had any changes in weight, medical condition, or sleep complaint you may need more study(s). If your sleepiness has gotten worse suddenly, or if you have had a surgery for snoring or weight loss we may want to do more tests to be sure you are still receiving adequate treatment.
Q. What is an MSLT and why do I need one?
Ans. An MSLT is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test. This test is a series of naps done throughout the day. MSLT’s are generally done the day after an all night study and they can tell us if you have a condition called Narcolepsy or hypersomnolence that is not attributable to sleep apnea. See our description of the MSLT in our “What to Expect” page for a more detailed description of the test. Not every patient needs an MSLT.
Q. What age range of patients do you see?
Ans. We have seen patients as young as 4, and as old as 95. Usually, we have a lower limit of 5 (five) years old and no upper limit as long as the person is ambulatory or able to have a caregiver stay to help them around.
Q. Can someone stay with me, and how many other people may I bring?
Ans. We say that it is okay for one other person to spend the night with you. We do not have any extra beds for them, and they may not sleep in the testing bed with you. There is an oversized recliner in each room that serves as an extra bed. We ask a parent or guardian to stay when we study children, but if the person having the test is an adult we ask that they leave their children at home.
Q. May I leave after “checking in” and come back when it is time for my study?
Ans. We ask that you remain here once you have checked in and been assigned a room. If you feel 9:00 P.M. is too early, you can call (718) 830-3600 to request a later appointment time. Our technicians need to know when you will be here so your testing spot does not go to someone else, and so they can pace themselves accordingly so all patients are hooked up and in bed on time.
Q. What is the Sleep Center’s hours?
Ans. Daytime office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sleep studies are run at night, and the building is open Sunday through Thursday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. If you are being dropped off at the center, make sure your ride comes in with you to find out when they need to pick you up.
Q. What do I wear or bring with me?
Ans. For a sleep study, you should bring any toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, etc) you may need. Also you need to bring two-piece pajamas or shorts and a T-shirt with you. You may bring your own pillow if it will help your comfort and you should bring all medications you take unless told to discontinue any of them. Eat dinner before coming in if possible. If you would like, you can pick up something on the way in and eat it here but we have no vending machines or cafeteria. If you are already on oxygen, you should come in with your own and ask to be hooked up to our in-house oxygen so you can save enough of your tank to get home. See our what to expect section for more information.
