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Most Informtive Metrics To Send To Doctor - BlueSky1958 - 12-17-2023

Have a 6 month check-in this week. Been compiling my data in Oscar for past 9 months (including my O2 ring data). Lots to go through, but if I wanted to send her just 6 charts of the most informative info regarding my status/progress, which 6 would the group recommend?


RE: Most Informtive Metrics To Send To Doctor - Sleeprider - 12-17-2023

Most doctors are not interested in reviewing charts and want to know how you feel and if you're benefiting from the therapy. If you try to make a Powerpoint presentation out of it, he will cut you off pretty quickly. I'm not aware of any serious issues raised in your therapy thread, and this post with not other background doesn't offer much to work from. So back at you...What do you want your appointment to accomplish, and what problem(s) need to be worked out?


RE: Most Informtive Metrics To Send To Doctor - srlevine1 - 12-17-2023

It appears to me that most doctors look at usage (compliance), AHI, leaks (mask fit), question your overall feeling about sleepiness and call it a day. If presented with data, they seem to prefer a 90-day summary report and then rarely look at underlying data. However, if you push for answers to specific questions, they are forced to respond. Unfortunately, in a general manner.

Pretty much why this forum and the combined experience of real users is so valuable. First to suggest appropriate issues and then to tweak settings to improve results. Additional advice on bedding, sleep aids, and other subjects normally deemed outside a physician’s purview are also covered.

The problem with most specialists is their tunnel vision focused on their own field and tendency to ignore time-consuming multi-disciplinary approaches. A good GP is a critical team member.


RE: Most Informtive Metrics To Send To Doctor - Crimson Nape - 12-17-2023

I agree with srlevine1.  Most physicians are booked in 15 or 20 minute segments.  Only half that time, at best, is spent with the doctor.  They don't have the time to digest all the data you are wanting to present.   Limit the presentation to something like the Statistics page.  Have 1 or 2 printouts ready to present that represent concerns you have.  Your areas of concern will dictate the printout to use.  If your concern is about a trend of a parameter, then a printout of the Overview, set to a time range that best describes your question.  If your concern is about something like a breathing pattern, then a printout of a zoomed graph from the Daily screen that represents your talking points would be in order.

I would also limit your questions to the top 3 concerns.  The fewer questions will yield more time they can (or will) spend on addressing them.

- Red