Anyone ever do business, with NorthStar medical specialists?

[Hockenberry]

I'm going in for a consultation, tomorrow. My primary care doctor referred me, and I have no idea what to expect.

[Sleeprider]

Their web page indicates they practice in sleep medicine with physician and sleep lab, weight loss with a bariatric surgeon and pulmonary medicine. What is your expectation? Sleep, weight loss or other?

[Hockenberry]

Their web page indicates they practice in sleep medicine with physician and sleep lab, weight loss with a bariatric surgeon and pulmonary medicine.  What is your expectation?  Sleep, weight loss or other?

I was hoping you'd notice Sleeprider. I'm going in for a sleep study. You told me in this thread:

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...elp-please

that I have a unique flow pattern, and probably need at least a bi-level machine. I'm also going to see if I can get Medicare to pay for some my therapy needs, as I've been doing it out of pocket, for a long time, and just bought a new machine.

Any advice you could give me going in, would be greatly appreciated.    

[Sleeprider]

The images in the old thread are gone, but my recollection is it looks like severe flow-limited breathting. So the concern for you is to assure minute vent and tidal volume meets your needs. It will help if the technician and doctor are aware of your concerns going into any test. If you have some images of your flow rate that we discussed before, I think that would help you to explain your concerns.

It was very unusual, and at times it was hard to find the respiratory pattern. Take a couple screenshots of that waveform and ask the doctor what he thinks. I'd be very interested to hear his reaction and recommendations. If he goes to PSG, I would try to be sure to do a 2-part test that evaluates your breathing with CPAP, and whether there is improvement with bilevel.

[Sleeprider]

Here is one of the flow rate charts. You have relatively high pressure which might by itself justify bilevel, but the waveform is something I don't see very often.

[Hockenberry]

I had my consultation, very friendly folks, and we got along well. It wasn't with a Dr. however, but  the Dr.'s assistant. I took in copies of graphs, showing my flow patterns, and he didn't think it was much to get excited about. He didn't think I need a bi-level machine, but said the sleep study would determine it. He did comment, that I am well treated, and implied I didn't really need the study, and he would be happy to sell me supplies. I'm scheduled for a split night study, on the 17th of April, as I'm going to try attain Medicare coverage.

He was well aware of Apnea Board, but wasn't familiar with Sleepyhead.