How do I know if I am selecting a good sleep specialist?

[joannebc]

Is there a resource of who to go to?  I was not impressed by the first sleep doctor I went to.  I continue to have flow limitation issues arousals and weakening.  It’s been 4 years since my last doctors appointment and want to make a more informed choice.  Thanks,  Joanne

I’m in SWFL, by the way.

[70sSanO]

The first step is to find a list of doctors that are in your insurance plan.

Look at reviews. You can use Yelp or health grades or anything else that will help to evaluate. Be aware of reviews where someone had ongoing sleep issues and the doctor was able to resolve them.

Probably the most important thing is finding a doctor that will be an advocate for advanced therapy. If you need a BiPAP or ASV Someone who will push to get it for you. That is more important than someone who agrees you have issues but won’t advocate for you.

John

[jaswilliams]

Yo don’t need a sleep dr we can review your graphs from the data stored every night from your machine. Check you have an SD card in your machine Download OSCAR and then post a daily graph as shown in my signature and we can see if your settings are optimal

[Hydrangea]

My advice based on my experience is to find a doctor who does not also facilitate the sale of the machines & supplies. When my sleep "doctor" was also the DME, I realized my "doctor" was just writing Rx to line his own pockets. Total conflict of interest.

[Sleeprider]

Ask your primary physician if they will support your use of CPAP, by reviewing therapy on an annual basis and prescribing a machine and supplies as needed. A specialist is not needed to obtain equipment, especially if you mostly self-manage therapy. I have not seen a specialist since 2008.