Physicians Overview

Sleep Disorders: A Problem of Immense Proportions

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of greater than 5 and is present in 4% of men and 2% of women between the ages of 30 and 60. This corresponds to a total population of approximately 20 million Americans suffering from OSA. 80 percent of those patients remain undiagnosed and untreated.

This sleep disorder is as prevalent as diabetes and asthma, but until recently, this fact was unrecognized by the medical community. Left untreated, OSA can lead to increased rates of mortality, myocardial infarctions, strokes, industrial accidents and neurocognitive dysfunction.

Easily detected indicators of OSA include:

* Daytime sleepiness
* Loud, irregular snoring
* Morning headaches
* Depression
* Poor concentration
* Hypertension
* Nocturia
* Obesity

Cost of Sleep disorders in USA

The National Commission on Sleep Disorders research (1992) was able to definitely assign 15.9 billion dollars as direct cost of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation with an estimated 50 to 100 billion in indirect and related costs when the cost of individual accidents associated with sleep disorders and sleep deprivation are assessed including litigation, destruction of property, hospitalization, and death.

 

Insurance carriers recognize sleep apnea as a life-threatening condition

Almost all insurance plans now cover the cost of testing and treating sleep apnea. This means that sleep testing and treatment can now be part of your comprehensive wellness plan for primary care patients. SSA provides primary care physicians with assistance in treating adult and pediatric patients with sleep disorders. Since 1983, SSA has been nationally recognized for high quality care, professional service and successful outcomes.

Physician Forms:

* Screening Tool