Sleep Doctor doesn't look at data

[Summer Snow]

I met with my sleep doctor. The first time she had no data. The second time she only had a summary report and couldn't look at my specific concern about clear air events last over a minute. Is this normal?

Also I have an oxygen ring by wellvue that is FDA certified and she said that the data from it isn't trustworthy.

[zonker]

I met with my sleep doctor. The first time she had no data. The second time she only had a summary report and couldn't look at my specific concern about clear air events last over a minute. Is this normal?

Also I have an oxygen ring by wellvue that is FDA certified and she said that the data from it isn't trustworthy.

welcome to the zoo!

i wouldn't say it's normal, but have read here of it happening to others. they should be able to pull data from your machine.

btw, what machine are you using? if it's one that tracks data via a removable sd card, you can get to the data yourself with a free software program called oscar. but it doesn't work for all machines.

so if you can let us know what you have, then someone can help you out.

good luck!

[LSAT]

I think that unless you specifically indicate a problem, they don't bother with the data. Some doctors do not have the capability to read your SD card and others don't take the time to pull the data from the cloud. Why did you go to the doctor? Did you have a specific problem?

[chunkyfrog]

My sleep doc's assistant sees me, and prints up the data for my file.
I am OK with seeing the assistant, as the doctor is there for when I need him.
And others may need him more now.

[loggerhead12]

There is a big weird disconnect in the sleep apnea world. Sleep docs know a lot about medicine, symptoms, ailments and the theory of treatment but know literally nothing about the mechanics of how xPAP is actually applied to humans. They don't understand machines, hoses, masks, accessories, nor really anything about how they connect to your face, how to get the pressure into you, and the side effects that occur or how to deal with them. They refer all of that messy stuff to the DME's without even knowing that the DME's are no more knowledgeable than the docs themselves. The xPAP underground represented by internet forums is the only real source of good information about how to make this therapy work. This one is the best.

Sleep docs are useful because they can write prescriptions, and that's it. DME's are useful because they can get you equipment through insurance, and that's it. The rest is right here.

(Incidentally this is why most sleep apnea patients fail at xPAP therapy. We're not used to docs being useless. It is easily one of the worst fields of medicine and one that is rife with fraud and waste. You should be able to buy an auto xPAP machine at Walgreens for $150 and have Pugsy help you set it up.)

[greatunclebill]

not too many years ago there was no data to look at, believe it or not. some machines are still prescribed that have no valuable data. many doctors are from that old school era where their only indicator was how you felt. if your doctor chooses to live in that era, about the only thing you can do is move on.

[zonker]

Sleep docs are useful because they can write prescriptions, and that's it. DME's are useful because they can get you equipment through insurance, and that's it. The rest is right here.

did you know that ANY doctor can write a prescription for cpap?

even a dentist can, apparently. wish i'd known that when i first started out.

[loggerhead12]

did you know that ANY doctor can write a prescription for cpap?

even a dentist can, apparently. wish i'd known that when i first started out.

Sure, but it might be a crap shoot getting insurance to pay for equipment with a script from a dentist. Mine wanted the full meal deal with including an in-hospital sleep study and a couple of visits to a pulmonologist.

[zonker]

did you know that ANY doctor can write a prescription for cpap?

even a dentist can, apparently. wish i'd known that when i first started out.

Sure, but it might be a crap shoot getting insurance to pay for equipment with a script from a dentist. Mine wanted the full meal deal with including an in-hospital sleep study and a couple of visits to a pulmonologist.

fair point. i hadn't thought of that because i'm privileged enough to go this without insurance.

[LSAT]

From my experience and observation, here's what happens in too many cases. You go to the doctor because you have sleep issues..$$$. The doctor sets you up with a sleep study $$$. Often you are asked to come back for a titration $$$$. You then go back to the doctor to get the results of the study $$$. The doctor writes a prescription for a machine/mask $$$$. You go and pick up the machine and it turns out that it is set to 4/20....just the way it comes from the factory. You struggle for a week and then go back to the doctor $$$ for him to increase your minimum pressure. For most people, there is no reason they couldn't buy a machine (set at 4/20) and learn to make their own adjustments. Most of the "sleep specialists" are ENTs, Pulmonologists, and Neurologists that added sleep medicine as a sideline.

[loggerhead12]

fair point. i hadn't thought of that because i'm privileged enough to go this without insurance.

Yep. That's why I fired my doc last year and bought a backup machine from Craigslist.

None of this stuff should require a prescription. We have open-source software to evaluate the data. Maybe we need an open-source machine too.

[bwexler]

I was originally diagnosed by greedy doc who a great diagnostician, who knew how to game the system to maximize his income.
I was lucky to be living in a motor home and traveling regularly.As I was leaving Las Vegas, where I was diagnosed, I literally had
the staff at the sleep lab meet me in their parking lot and hand me my report as I headed for the highway.
When I got to San Diego I met with a friend, who happened to be a doctor and a CPAP user. He provided my prescription and called his
Supplier to tell them I was coming and to treat me right.
I had already found this group and knew what I wanted.

Not suggesting things have been easy or perfect, but this group has been much more helpful than any or all of my sleep doctors.
Their only short coming is they don't seem to be able to write my prescriptions.

[RogerSC]

I'd like to think that this isn't usual, my sleep doctor looks at and prints my data and gives me a summary of what he sees. And is happy to answer any questions that I might have based on the data. Back when I had a ResMed S9 AutoSet, I used to take the SD card out of the machine and take it with me to my appointment, the doctor insisted on having the data. Now the AirSense 10 sends off my data every day via a cellular data, so my doctor has my data for our appointments without my having to bring in the SD card.

Can't imagine what value a sleep doctor appointment would have if your sleep doctor isn't looking at your data.

[Julie]

Value?

The doctor gets PAID!

Oh, did you mean value to you? Ha!

[HD4Mark]

I was referred to a sleep center by my primary physician after an anesthesiologist suggested I get checked for apnea. Since then I have gone the usual route of sleep study, prescribed equipment, many masks to find one that doesn't leak and "visits" to "my doctor". Virtual now days.

So far after my PC I have not actually seen or talked to a doctor. I have another (virtual) appointment Tues. with a Nurse Practitioner. She seems knowledgeable and willing to help but leaves her personality at home in the morning. The rest of the staff is very nice and does try to help.

My point is that I can't swear there is a doctor at this practice so don't be surprised.