We are often asked to help patients with choices along sleep medicine providers, testing facilities and CPAP equipment vendors. Several different medical specialties are now involved in sleep medicine. Many patients wonder "Which one is right for me?" Sleep testing facilities can now be found in hospitals, in clinics, or as freestanding facilities. Medical equipment vendors who supply CPAP equipment vary greatly in scope and quality. They may or may not be associated with a sleep clinic or testing center. Often, your insurance plan will influence your choices, but if you're shopping around for accurate information and quality, here are some suggestions we like to make.

1. Select The Right Doctor

To select a quality sleep medicine physician, first ask your primary care physician for a recommendation. He or she may already be familiar with some sleep medicine physicians who have provided satisfactory care for their patients. Often, your county medical society will also have a list of physicians by specialty and may have some recommendations regarding sleep medicine specialists. In general, a good assurance of quality is board certification in Sleep Medicine. A specialty certification in Sleep Medicine is currently provided by the American Boards of Internal Medicine, Psychiatry and Neurology, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Otolaryngology. Physicians who have passed the certifying examination, identified as Diplomates, have received specialized training and experience in the field. Choosing which specialty's practitioner is right for you can be done with the help of your primary care physician. In general, certified sleep specialists from internal medicine, psychiatry and neurology, and family medicine can manage most adult sleep disorders. This internet link will allow you to select a Board Certified Physician in your area. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102692504032&s=730&e=001is9FUxFo9HWcKpdR0JYiKCizXQTN82pmOsGogoiXQ_y8pYK12vrFBle2Hzjnou_YwJKybpIiAV51wFqh57B1IO-JEEckjoO19pXmrnSBddg=.

2. Select An Accreditated Sleep Center

Because of the wide array of sleep testing facilities in the Metroplex, the selection of a sleep testing center may be a bit more difficult. Your physician may be closely associated with a testing facility or hospital and may direct you to the sleep testing facility. Here are some questions to ask. Is the technologist doing your test registered as a polysomnographic technologist? Is the facility accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)? Many facilities claim to follow AASM standards, but that is not the same as accreditation. AASM accredited facilities have received a thorough review, demonstrated quality care, and must follow the highest standards. We at Sleep Medicine Associates of Texas believe in AASM accreditation as it promotes excellent quality operations, testing, patient safety and appropriate credentialing and continuing education of staff. This link lists AASM accredited sleep centers. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102692504032&s=730&e=001is9FUxFo9HXKLzVVIZ0vGjkNlRMA2EQkX5XIjfH6j_ggQR08DDBdj2-PWoLmszkc_3EdJcUsBdDEtcd_L8RcBKgVhj3RLGMf-WtQnPHfoZs0ZkodKOcXFQ==.