Most insurance requires a heart study and a sleep study. If yours does not I would ask my surgeon why these extra tests are being done. Does he require it to do surgery? If not then I think it would be ok to question it. My surgeon even requires you to see his physical therapist. I have no idea why but if it meant he wouldn't do my surgery I was all for it. It's ok to question these things. Some Dr's require these things but if the insurance company doesn't he might be ok not to do the extra tests. Ask him.

I had to have 3 sleep studies done. The first one showed that I had sleep apnea and the second and 3rd study they tried different machines. I use a bi-pap machine which took some getting use to because it is based on your breathing in and out and does not have a steady stream like the cpap has. But my sleep apnea is controlled and hopefully go away when I lose the weight. It isn't a big deal to have it done and it hasn't delayed my time plan but insurance does require it. debby

I just did the home sleep rest. I wore a thing on my finger to measure my oxygen during sleep. The company delivered it and picked it up. Depending on the results I would have needed a full sleep study test. I did not!

My insurance does not require it as far as I know. I think it is just something on the check list. My surgeon doesn't require it for all paitents, it just says to get one if "indicated" So I guess it is up to the pulmonologist to determine if he thinks I need a sleep study. The pulomonologist is one I have seen for a number of years for my asthma, athough I have not seen in for about two years as my asthma has been under control so my primary doc has been taking care of me for it.

I am sorry that you are claustrophic. I am also, but sometimes you have to suck it up in order to get what you want. The first time I had a sleep study and was issued a CPAP, it was a freaking nightmare. I couldn't stand the thing and gave up.

Fortunately, my doc kept after me and I went for a second sleep study. This time was a totally different experience. I told the sleep tech about my issues, and she said not to worry she would make sure I was fitted properly and I would be happy.

And she was right. If you end up with a sleep apnea diagnosis and get a properly fitted CPAP, you will be astonished on what a difference it will make in your life. Not only will it improve your quality of life, it could actually SAVE your life. Untreated sleep apnea can kill you.

There are various masks that do not cover your entire face - I could not stand that because it was claustrophic. I have a tube with nose pillows that does not cover my mouth, and now it is actually like a sleeping pill. I put it on and I am asleep in no time.

My doctor required that if you have sleep apnea that you MUST use a CPAP for a period of time before he will even consider surgery. I am not sure what length of time he requires because I was a full-time user prior to meeting with him so it was not an issue.

Good luck. Make sure you tell the sleep tech about your issues if you end up having to have a sleep study, and most will do whatever they can to make you comfortable.

My claustrophobia causes full blown anxiety attacks so it is more than just being able to "suck it up and deal with type of thing" If it is required than I will try to follow the program as much as possible but I am keeping my fingers crossed that since my pulomonogist never felt the need to send me for a study before that he didn't believe I needed it. I guess I will find out Monday when I see him.