WA or BC private sleep clinic?

I live in BC, and was diagnosed with sleep apnea based on overnight oximetry. From what I learned here, I know I might want an actual study done. I talked to my doc today and there is a one year wait, at least, for the sleep clinic and I am considered mild to medium in severity so don't get a referral anyway. Instead, they use a hit and miss approach and figure that after a month it (pressure level)should be figured out based on another oximetry test. No, I can't see how that works either now..

So I am looking at the possibility of paying for my own study, depending on what it costs (no insurance). Does anyone know of or has anyone used a sleep clinic in BC or WA (pref western)?

Any leads would be great. Thanks!

So I am looking at the possibility of paying for my own study, depending on what it costs (no insurance). Does anyone know of or has anyone used a sleep clinic in BC or WA (pref western)?

Any leads would be great. Thanks![/quote]

Try http://www.sleepfoundation.org and click on "find a sleep center". Click on Washington and several come up.

tiredofbeingsleepy wrote:So I am looking at the possibility of paying for my own study, depending on what it costs (no insurance). Does anyone know of or has anyone used a sleep clinic in BC or WA (pref western)?

Any leads would be great. Thanks!

Try http://www.sleepfoundation.org and click on "find a sleep center". Click on Washington and several come up.[/quote]

I was referred Harborview's sleep center by UW medicine. I'm pretty new at this but they seemed to know what they were doing. The tech was a cpap user and shared quite a lot of information. They are located at the south end of downtown Seattle. Not sure what it cost as insurance got the bill.

http://www.uwmedicine.org/PatientCare/M ... /index.htm

I went through St John medical center in Longview,Wa. Great place & Dr Amy Aronsky is great.It's quite a drive for you though(exit 36 off I-5)
http://www.peacehealth.org/LowerColumbi ... orders.htm

I also live in BC

Got my Oxymeter test last October and started my CPAP use last month.

When I was waiting for my RT to analyse my data - I met a gentleman who has done a sleep study at the University of BC

I have no insurance coverage, ecept the government MSP

I am also curious to know, how much does it cost to pay for a sleep study in Washington state?

I heard it can cost $3,000 - $7,000

Janine wrote:I talked to my doc today and there is a one year wait, at least, for the sleep clinic

Here in Ontario most major hospitals have sleep clinics. Could you ask your doctor to refer you to a different clinic?

Janine wrote:Instead, they use a hit and miss approach and figure that after a month it (pressure level )should be figured out based on another oximetry test. No, I can't see how that works either now..

If you get an auto machine and use an oximeter you should be able to pretty much figure out the right pressure yourself without a study. Infact recent studies have shown that patients can determine there own pressure just as good as at clinic titration can.

Janine wrote:So I am looking at the possibility of paying for my own study, depending on what it costs (no insurance).

Aren't sleep studies covered in BC under the provincial medical plan?

Janine - Please check your PMs.

gamsberry wrote:I was referred Harborview's sleep center by UW medicine.

gamsberry - did you see one of the sleep docs at Harborview or just have your study there?

jskinner, I know Victoria and UBC have sleep clinics, and I was told that in BC the wait was 1-2 years. They seem to rely pretty heavily on oximetry now.

BC medical will pay for the study, but the wait is the issue. I am thinking that if I can't afford a private study, I will request an auto. I really like data and stuff and the ability to do it myself.

I find that asking more than one doctor usually brings different answers, so I will try again in a couple of weeks when there is a locum, and also ask my endocrinologist when I get one.

Sandy, thanks for the pm!

Janine wrote:jskinner, I know Victoria and UBC have sleep clinics, and I was told that in BC the wait was 1-2 years. They seem to rely pretty heavily on oximetry now.

Here are a few sleep clinics in BC:

Royal Inland Hospital
Neurodiagnostic Services
311 Columbia Street
Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 2T1
Phone: (250) 314-2255
Fax: (250) 314-2798
Contact person
Dr. R. Mosewich,MD.,FRCP(C)
Phone: (250) 314-2255
Fax: (250) 314-2798

Sleep Disorders Clinic
c/o Electrodiagnostic Services
Kelowna General Hospital
Okanagan Similkameen Health Region
2268 Pandosy Street
Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 1T2
Phone: (250) 862-4334
Fax: (250) 862-4359

Sleep Disorders Laboratory
Richmond Health Services
7000 Westminster Highway
Richmond, British Columbia V6X 1A2
Phone: (604) 244-5124
Fax: (604) 244-5274
e-mail: ron_floen@rhss.bc.ca
Contact person
Ron Floen, RRT
Chief Paramedical, CPS/NDS
Phone: (604) 244-5154
Fax: (604) 244-5287
e-mail: ron_floen@rhss.bc.ca
Dr. Dan Rurak

Sleep Disorders Program
UBC Hospital
Room G285 Koerner Pavilion
2211 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5
Phone: (604) 822-7606
Fax: (604) 822-9744
Contact person
Peter Hamilton, RPsgT
Chief Technologist
Phone: (604) 822-7339
Fax: (604) 822-9744

Royal Jubilee Hospital
c/o Sleep Laboratory
1900 Fort Street
Victoria, British Columbia V8R 1J8
Phone: (250) 370-8236
Fax: (250) 370-8831
Contact person
Thom Russell, T.P. Connolly
Senior Technician/Physician
Phone: (250) 370-8236
Fax: (250) 370-8831
e-mail: thomrussell@pacificcoast.net