Based on new guidelines released by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) on January 4, 2008, CMS has proposed that portable sleep-monitoring devices can be used to assess patients suspected of having moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Due to significantly improved technology Home Sleep Testing is a very feasible and very simple OSA testing alternative for patients who choose not to, or are otherwise unable to, participate in a lab conducted overnight sleep study. This new acceptance of HST technology opens new avenues for patients who feel uncomfortable with the idea of spending the night in a lab. If you, or someone you know thinks they may suffer from some sort of sleeping disorder call us at (760) 436-4062 to talk about setting up a consultation and possible appointment for an HST study.

How do HST Studies Work?

HST involves the use of a portable-monitoring system that you wear as you sleep in your own bed. It consists of a small recording device, sensors, belts and related cables and accessories. The biggest benefit to be a HST study is that it allows a patient to be screened for Obstructive Sleep Apnea without having to leave the comfort of their own home. The fact that a patient is able to take the test in their own bed, following their normal routine, and among familiar surroundings, has been shown to greatly reduces the anxiety that some patients feel when trying to fall asleep in an unfamiliar place (like a sleep lab).

Additional HST News

Coinciding with the release of these new guidelines was an announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that it proposes to extend coverage of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) based on diagnoses using portable monitoring, specifically type II, III, or IV home sleep tests.

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