Had to do a sleep test for a new CPAP even after 17 years!

[D.H.]

It was not the doctor's idea as the same doctor who diagnosed me in 1999 is still treating me. He knows I have it, as do the majority of his patients (he's a sleep specialist).

I was quite uncomfortable about the idea of sleeping with CPAP for a few hours. I think that they should accept an old diagnosis as long as the patient is living. It does not go away; at least not a case of my severity.

[chunkyfrog]

And how much misery does this doctor attribute to YOU?
Think back . . .

[Goofproof]

And we complain about our doctors, 17 years he has a heart of gold.... Jim

[Julie]

So a good doctor is one who counts on a 17 yr old result in someone ageing to go on prescribing for the future? Glad that's not my MD!

[Sheriff Buford]

Sometimes the insurance requests the test.

Sheriff

[SewTired]

It was not the doctor's idea as the same doctor who diagnosed me in 1999 is still treating me. He knows I have it, as do the majority of his patients (he's a sleep specialist).

I was quite uncomfortable about the idea of sleeping with CPAP for a few hours. I think that they should accept an old diagnosis as long as the patient is living. It does not go away; at least not a case of my severity.

It's no different than getting a heart test or lung test after you've already been diagnosed. Even though the machine gives you readings, they still have to confirm that that is ALL you have. If you have reduced lung function, as my brother does, the machine does not always compensate, which is why he now has set pressures instead of automatic on his bipap. The difference for him though is that he had a titration rather than a regular sleep test since he was already diagnosed.

You can refuse any test. As you say, you've already been diagnosed and you have data from your machine. If you don't want to shell out $1000+, then tell the doc that. What, in your health situation, requires you to have another study when your apap already gives data?

[SewTired]

So a good doctor is one who counts on a 17 yr old result in someone ageing to go on prescribing for the future? Glad that's not my MD!

The good doctor can look at the results from the patient's machine. Unless the guy is having new problems, does he really need to be rediagnosed over and over again? No. My neighbor already knows he lost his leg. It isn't going to grow back. Should he consent to a new Xray to confirm that he lost his leg? Yes, he was actually asked to do that. DH has not said he had new problems, so his machine is already able to supply the information required.

[Snoregone Conclusion]

I'm highly amused that the original diagnosis was stated to be in 1999 and yet, the statement is about having to do a sleep test for a new CPAP after 17 years, in 2018. Something doesn't add up!

[chunkyfrog]

The brain is the first thing to go . .
(Unless you're a guy.)

[Goofproof]

So a good doctor is one who counts on a 17 yr old result in someone ageing to go on prescribing for the future? Glad that's not my MD!

You missed my point, "Dealing with D.H.", Like I said Heart of Gold. Has nothing to do about the Doctors qualifications. Jim

[Goofproof]

The brain is the first thing to go . .
(Unless you're a guy.)

In my case it was the Heart, after that it's all downhill! Jim

[chunkyfrog]

At least, we can tell you have one--cyber hug?

[klm49]

So a good doctor is one who counts on a 17 yr old result in someone ageing to go on prescribing for the future? Glad that's not my MD!

Me either. When I had to change dr.'s after my first year She ordered a new titration and I was glad she did!

[D.H.]

So a good doctor is one who counts on a 17 yr old result in someone ageing to go on prescribing for the future? Glad that's not my MD!

The good doctor can look at the results from the patient's machine. Unless the guy is having new problems, does he really need to be rediagnosed over and over again? No. My neighbor already knows he lost his leg. It isn't going to grow back. Should he consent to a new Xray to confirm that he lost his leg? Yes, he was actually asked to do that. DH has not said he had new problems, so his machine is already able to supply the information required.

Just for the record, the old machine was a brick and did not have stats. However, I was not lighter than I was at the time of diagnosis, and have not had any surgery (except for hand surgery) during the interim. Sleep Apnea does not need to be re-diagnosed; it does not go away on its own! I really didn't especially mind spending the night in the sleep lab; I minded sleeping without CPAP for the few hours that they required.

[Goofproof]

So a good doctor is one who counts on a 17 yr old result in someone ageing to go on prescribing for the future? Glad that's not my MD!

The good doctor can look at the results from the patient's machine. Unless the guy is having new problems, does he really need to be rediagnosed over and over again? No. My neighbor already knows he lost his leg. It isn't going to grow back. Should he consent to a new Xray to confirm that he lost his leg? Yes, he was actually asked to do that. DH has not said he had new problems, so his machine is already able to supply the information required.

Just for the record, the old machine was a brick and did not have stats. However, I was not lighter than I was at the time of diagnosis, and have not had any surgery (except for hand surgery) during the interim. Sleep Apnea does not need to be re-diagnosed; it does not go away on its own! I really didn't especially mind spending the night in the sleep lab; I minded sleeping without CPAP for the few hours that they required.

Just for the record expanded, most machines didn't have full data 17 years ago. Surprise! Jim