FAQ - SDC

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Q: Who should I call to schedule a sleep study?

A: You need to call our office or your primary care physician’s office. If you have a PPO plan, you can see Dr. Bhat directly. If you have an HMO plan, you have to get a Doctors Office Info and approval for the sleep study.

Humble office tel: 281-548-7313 Beaumont office tel: 409-835-5382

Q: How do I prepare for a sleep Study?

A: On the day of your sleep study, avoid caffeine of all types (coffee, cola, tea, etc.), do not drink anything after 12:00 noon, and try not to nap. In addition to this, avoid alcohol of any kind. Before coming to the sleep lab, shampoo and dry your hair. Do not apply sprays, gels, oils, etc.

Inform the sleep tech of all medications you are taking, including over the counter medication. Sometimes, certain medications need to be discontinued before the study. A medical professional will advise you of this on your initial office visit before you have your sleep study.

Before coming to the sleep lab, you should pack an overnight bag; it may include a pillow, extra clothes, medication, and toilet accessories.
When you arrive to the sleep lab at the Humble office, you are to ring the doorbell that is outside the building. The sleep technician will come and meet you.Or, if you are scheduled for our sleep lab in the Willowbrook office, you are to locate the keypad outside the building and punch in suite number 480, which will notify the sleep technician that you have arrived to our office.

Q: What will take place once I am inside the sleep lab?

A: First, arrive between 8:30-9:00 pm and the technician will greet you and show you to our room. At that time you maybe shown equipment, which is also a good time to ask any questions.

You will have time to change into your sleep apparel, and get ready for bed as you would at home. If you have a commitment in the morning, inform your sleep tech before the study so your wake up time can be confirmed. There maybe a waiting period before the technician starts getting you ready for the sleep study, and during this time, you can begin to relax.

Q: What will happen during my sleep study?

A: The sleep study technician will stay awake all night while you sleep. The sleep technician will be monitoring you as you sleep. The technician and the equipment will be in a separate area from your room.

While you sleep, various measurements will be monitored and recorded. Two dozen sensors called electrodes will be applied to your head and body using adhesives. These sensors monitor activities, muscle movements, and brain waves. A flexible elastic band will be placed around your chest and abdomen, which will measure your breathing. A clip will be placed on your finger or ear lobe to measure oxygen in your blood as well as measure your heart rate. None of these devices are painful and are made to be as comfortable as possible.

If a breathing problem is observed during your study, the technician may awaken you to ask you to try a device that treats breathing problems during sleep. If you think this may be a possibility, your sleep specialist or technician will explain the use and purpose of this device before you go to bed.

If you need to use the bathroom at any time during your sleep study, tell the technician. The technician will enter the room and unplug you from the box and you will be be capable of getting up. Most patients need to use the bathrrom up at least once.

Q: What happens after my sleep study?

A: First, a sleep study has to be scored by a registered polysomnographist and then reviewed by Dr. Bhat. Sleep studies are usually not evaluated immediately, because it is time consuming. It may be a week to two weeks before the final report is generated. Thus, you should receive the results of your sleep study within this time period. One copy of the study will go to the patient, and another copy will go to the referring physician.

If a patient has any questions, they can speak to their referring physician or they can wait until their follow up appointment and discuss the results with Dr. Bhat.

If a patient has an appointment with the referring physician, they should take their copy of the sleep study with them on the day of the appointment. This will be used as a back up copy.

If Dr. Bhat orders the study, then you may make an appointment to see Dr. Bhat in his office to discuss the results.

***Results of your sleep study will not be discussed over the phone.***

Q: Does my insurance cover the expenses?

A: Most insurance companies allow sleep studies in their benefits. Benefits will be checked for you prior to your visit. However, benefits explained to you by our office is not a guarantee of payment or coverage by your insurance company. Benefits are determined after your claim is submitted

Q: What is the next step?

A: The next step is determined by the outcome of the first study. The most common recommendation by Dr. Bhat is a CPAP titration. This is part two of the sleep study, where you will come back for another study to determine the pressure settings for CPAP. The process is the same, except that you will be placed on a CPAP machine using a nasal mask. Throughout the night the technician will adjust the pressure as indicated by your improvement Wear the CPAP during the study to see if it helps with your symptoms and if it is beneficial to your needs.

Q: How will the CPAP help me?

A: CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This means while you sleep, the machine will be sending a continuous amount of air at a certain pressure that will open your airways, allowing you to breath better, and lessen, or sometimes eliminate, snoring all together.

Q: Where can I get the CPAP machine?

A: After the CPAP titration study has been done and your report is completed, you will be scheduled for a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment. At that time, your doctor will give you a prescription for your machine. Your doctor’s office will then fax all information to the company of your choice, where you will be getting your machine. Depending on your insurance, you have to select the vendor

Q: Who will pay for the machine?

A: The Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company you choose will verify and file the claim for your machine through your insurance company. Each policy is different, but in most cases, DME is covered for replacement every 2-3 years. Your insurance should have a contract with the vendor for them to pay for the CPAP

Q: If something happens to the machine or it needs adjustment, what do I do?

A: Contact the DME company that you received your machine from. Tell them the problems with your machine. If a replacement or part is necessary, you will need to return to Dr. Bhat to get a prescription for that part and he will check the pressure of the machine.