What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
My HMO/Hospital has a group called the Sleep Clinic group. This are the people who initially conducted my sleep study ((sort of) establishing I had sleep apnea); showed me how to use my CPAP unit; recommended face masks; and provided me with a schedule relating to when I need to replace the accoutrements attached to my CPAP unit.
I can make an appointment with them and they will “read” the results of my CPAP to memory card data.
My question: What else can this (kind of) department do? (I asked and got little more from them than they can read the results of my CPAP card and do other machine-specific technical support duties (like order new masks…).)
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
It sounds like they are respiratory therapists (RT). They have RT's at the place I picked up my equipment (DME).
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
Yes, they are RTs...
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
My question: What else can this (kind of) department do? (I asked and got little more from them than they can read the results of my CPAP card and do other machine-specific technical support duties (like order new masks…).)
If you are in the US, the sleep specialist writes prescriptions for your treatment. The DME or medical equipment provider usually has a respiratory therapist who can fill the prescriptions for machines, masks etc
and help get you adjusted to the equipment. The RT can also make adjustments in pressures when asked to do so by the sleep specialist. The RT also makes sure you are compliant in using your machine for at least 4 hours a night. If your prescription from the doctor reads: mask of choice,
then the RT can order new masks that you choose and replace parts of the mask as well as the hose. The RT is in communication with your doctor and send him a report every month that includes your compliance as well as clinical data from the machine.
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
Thank you! So I assume I'm correct in thinking that (acting in responsible manner) using information generously supplied through this website (i.e., how to read CPAP results; how to change CPAP settings) most of the things a sleep specialist (& RT) can do, a responsible patient can also do for themselves.
Note: I'm fortunate in not having a severe sleep apnea condition. Please note that I am not recommending one doing these things if their condition is serious or if they do not have confidence in their ability to understand/modify their CPAP machine.
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
(01-17-2014, 04:59 PM)AfibApnea Wrote: Thank you! So I assume I'm correct in thinking that (acting in responsible manner) using information generously supplied through this website (i.e., how to read CPAP results; how to change CPAP settings) most of the things a sleep specialist (& RT) can do, a responsible patient can also do for themselves.
Yup! It does require a certain amount of skill, but it's within reach of a motivated patient. The skill level is far less than what's required to learn to drive a car.
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
Afib, It would help us answer your question(s) if you let us know where you reside.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.
ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
On the other hand, I wouldn't fire your sleep specialist especially if you are dealing with something like A-Fib. But that me.
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
Of course not (they're all fine folks). But with the hospital far away; limited funds; minimal apnea; and a cardiologist on the trail of my heart situation; I think I can limit my number of visits to the apnea folk.
RE: What can a (Hospital) Sleep Clinic Group do?
Did you know that often A-Fib is caused by sleep apnea?
