FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY TREAT SLEEP ISSUES?
Sleep issues are linked to heart problems, weight gain, chronic tiredness, poor performance at work, lower quality of life, and other health issues. The right treatment can make a big difference in your health, happiness, and longevity.
WHAT IS A SLEEP CLINIC?
A sleep clinic is an outpatient office where you can get advice, arrange diagnostic tests, and pursue treatment of your sleep issues. Dr. Hunt offers both in-office and telemedicine appointments.
WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?
Telemedicine allows you to use a laptop or smartphone to connect with your healthcare provider over video without the need to come to the office. Our healthcare team will ask you questions and develop a plan for your care, just like a regular office visit. Please note that some appointments may still need to be scheduled in the office. Contact us with any questions.
HOW SOON CAN I GET AN APPOINTMENT?
Appointments can usually be scheduled within 7-10 days at one of our two locations or by telemedicine.
WILL I HAVE A SLEEP TEST AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
No, at your first visit, Dr. Hunt will evaluate your general medical condition and sleep issues to determine the best test for you, either a home sleep test to diagnose sleep apnea or a polysomnogram for other sleep issues. If you've already had sleep tests performed, Dr. Hunt will work with you to select the best treatment option.
HOW DOES A HOME SLEEP TEST WORK?
Dr. Hunt uses home sleep tests to evaluate for sleep apnea. Before going to sleep, you'll put on the device, which includes a nose piece to measure airflow, an oxygen sensor for your finger, and a chest strap that measures your breathing effort. You'll press a button to record your sleep and go to sleep normally in your own bed at home. Most tests are for 1 or 2 nights.
In the morning, you'll push the button again to stop the recording, remove the sensors and strap, and return the device to the office. Your test information will be downloaded and evaluated before being interpreted by Dr. Hunt.
Watch this short video for instructions on how to use the test.
WHAT IS A POLYSOMNOGRAM?
A polysomnogram is a laboratory test used to evaluate sleep disorders. Monitors will measure your brain waves, oxygen level, ekg, and breathing. Based on your results, Dr. Hunt can diagnose a variety of sleep conditions.
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes you to stop breathing multiple times an hour while you sleep. Common treatments include CPAP, oral appliances, and positional therapy.
WHAT IS CPAP?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a machine attached to either a mask or nasal pillows that helps keep your airway open while you sleep. For many sleep apnea patients, CPAP will have the best results.
WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SLEEP APNEA? DO I HAVE TO WEAR CPAP?
The goal of therapy is to open your airway while you sleep. Currently, CPAP is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. However, alternatives are available for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, including positional therapy, oral appliances, and, in rare cases, surgery.
WHAT IS SLEEP HYGIENE?
Sleep hygiene refers to your sleep habits. Here are a few tips for improving your ability to have a good night's sleep.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR INSOMNIA?
Many times insomnia is caused or made worse by an underlying sleep issue such as sleep apnea, restless legs, or other medical conditions. Typically, the therapy for insomnia is not long-term nightly medication. If the cause is psychiatric, Dr. Hunt will refer you for cognitive-behavioral therapy.
DOES MY INSURANCE COVER TREATMENT?
Most insurances include benefits for diagnosing and treating sleep conditions. Please check with your insurance on your coverage. The procedure code for home sleep testing is 95806. The code for an in-lab polysomnogram is 95810. To find out whether CPAP is covered, ask about your home medical equipment benefits. Our office can help you with insurance verification.
DO YOU ACCEPT PRIVATE PAY?
Yes, we offer low-cost home sleep apnea testing whether you use insurance or self pay. Please contact our office to set up the test.
HOW LONG UNTIL I FEEL BETTER?
Typically, patients see improvement within a week or two or Dr. Hunt will fine-tune the therapy.