Trouble in Sleep Lab
Hello the Forum,
I had a follow up visit to my sleep lab. This is an appointment my pulmonologist set at last visit. During that last visit is when I found out the prior overnight oximeter test recorded my blood oxygen down to 79% using auto bi-pap therapy.
I did not get to see the doctor. I had brought some sleepy head printouts, which was not well received. I asked about a prescription for a recording oximeter. Was told, that is a test, which a doctor must evaluate, not for me to use on my own! I was mild and polite, not wanting to offend. I reminded her that I had run an overnight oximeter test and that it showed blood oxygen going down to 79%, that I am concerned to monitor it. She informed me that there is NO RECORD in my chart indicating low oxygen! I told her that the pulmonologist at this last office visit told me to start using my oxygen concentrator. She let me know there is no entry in my chart about using a oxygen concentrator! She avoided answering my question whether they could prescribe an oximeter, she danced around that and would not answer. Wow. I have almost 2 decades of apnea and have been hit hard by hypoxia.
When I asked to see my doctor, who was there, she wanted to know what I wanted to talk with him about, to "give him a heads up!" She came back, stating he was too busy with appointments. I feel I got screened. Two months till I can see him.
They use my MyChart online medical records. I do not see my sleep study, oximeter test, or doctors notes. I feel then like requesting them directly. It is most difficult to go get there oximeter, then return it next morning by 10 am. I don't always well in the morning. Their office is a +45 mile drive each way. I had combined two visits that day. I next saw my primary care doctor. Good guy.
I described my problem, he is willing to prescribe the items needed.
So, is this typical with sleep labs? Will another sleep lab take over without running another overnight test? Which with Medicare is typical one every few years.
Primary care doctor is trying me on a new diabetes med, last two nights. Each morning is like I got hit with a hammer. Sleepyhead show increased AHI. I was using my oxygen concentrator. Hypoxia. But I don't know how bad. I will post the screen, later today.
Thanks, Stan
I had a follow up visit to my sleep lab. This is an appointment my pulmonologist set at last visit. During that last visit is when I found out the prior overnight oximeter test recorded my blood oxygen down to 79% using auto bi-pap therapy.
I did not get to see the doctor. I had brought some sleepy head printouts, which was not well received. I asked about a prescription for a recording oximeter. Was told, that is a test, which a doctor must evaluate, not for me to use on my own! I was mild and polite, not wanting to offend. I reminded her that I had run an overnight oximeter test and that it showed blood oxygen going down to 79%, that I am concerned to monitor it. She informed me that there is NO RECORD in my chart indicating low oxygen! I told her that the pulmonologist at this last office visit told me to start using my oxygen concentrator. She let me know there is no entry in my chart about using a oxygen concentrator! She avoided answering my question whether they could prescribe an oximeter, she danced around that and would not answer. Wow. I have almost 2 decades of apnea and have been hit hard by hypoxia.
When I asked to see my doctor, who was there, she wanted to know what I wanted to talk with him about, to "give him a heads up!" She came back, stating he was too busy with appointments. I feel I got screened. Two months till I can see him.
They use my MyChart online medical records. I do not see my sleep study, oximeter test, or doctors notes. I feel then like requesting them directly. It is most difficult to go get there oximeter, then return it next morning by 10 am. I don't always well in the morning. Their office is a +45 mile drive each way. I had combined two visits that day. I next saw my primary care doctor. Good guy.
I described my problem, he is willing to prescribe the items needed.
So, is this typical with sleep labs? Will another sleep lab take over without running another overnight test? Which with Medicare is typical one every few years.
Primary care doctor is trying me on a new diabetes med, last two nights. Each morning is like I got hit with a hammer. Sleepyhead show increased AHI. I was using my oxygen concentrator. Hypoxia. But I don't know how bad. I will post the screen, later today.
Thanks, Stan
