Physicians
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 30 million Americans suffering from
OSA. 95 percent of those patients remain undiagnosed
and untreated.
This potentially life-threatening
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
Indirectly, sleep disorders are estimated to cost
between $50 billion and $100 billion in the form
of accidents, litigation, property destruction,
hospitalization and death. The statistics are daunting
and the challenges are formidable. Yet today, the
knowledge and resources are available to successfully
diagnose and treat millions of patients suffering
from a host of sleep disorders whose symptoms range
from mild nuisances to life-threatening complications.
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.
If you think you or your loved one needs a sleep study, please download our Sleep Study Prescription and Order Form to schedule your Sleep Study. Simply fill out the form and fax it back to our office and we'll schedule you for your study at a facility near you. A physician signature is required.
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