Sleep centers offer help in detecting and treating any of the 80 recognized chronic sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea or sleep walking. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine[1] , accredited sleep centers have grown in number from 566 to 2,258 within the past decade, and may be hospital based, university based, or privately owned ("freestanding"). Sleep centers typically employ a multidisciplinary team, with physicians whose specialties may include pulmonology and psychiatry. Testing and treatment vary depending upon the type of disorder being evaluated, but typically involve an overnight sleep study, cognitive behavioral therapy or medication.
Typical costs:
Charges for consultations, office visits, and exams are determined by the time spent, and vary according to the type and severity of the problem. The cost for services may also vary from one site to another and by region. Consultation fees typically cost $150-$350 and may not be included in price estimates for testing and treatment. In addition, some hospitals may charge a facility fee of up to $500 for a sleep study.
The cost of a sleep study typically ranges from just under $1,000-$3,000. For example, in Lincoln, NE, the Somnos Sleep Disorder Center[2] charges $935 for an overnight sleep study, with an additional charge of about $400 for the physician's interpretation, while at the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[3] a sleep study costs $3,077. At the New York Sleep Wake Institute[4] in New York City, sleep studies can cost up to $1,200.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine[5] an insurance policy that covers outpatient tests such as an X-ray should also cover an overnight sleep study. However, many insurance providers require that a sleep study be prescribed and that a sleep center be fully accredited by the AASM before they will cover expenses.
For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10%-50% for the procedure, which could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
Sleep specialists will consult with patients to determine the nature of the underlying disorders. Some sleep disorders, including insomnia, may be diagnosed during a visit with a physician, but others may require additional testing, such as a sleep study.
A sleep study typically lasts at least six hours, and will be scheduled to match a patient's regular sleeping time. Patients are given their own bedrooms.
According to the Somnos Sleep Disorder Center[6] in Lincoln, NE, during a sleep study, doctors will use electrodes applied to the head and skin and other sensors to monitor brain waves, temperature, muscle movements, breathing, and additional activities that take place in the body during sleep. Doctors will also use an infrared camera and intercom to monitor a patient's sleeping position and any snoring or breathing sounds.
Depending on the results of the studies, other specialists may be brought in as needed to outline a treatment plan.
Additional costs:
Some insurers may first require a referral from a primary care doctor. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for an office visit with a primary care physician typically consist of a copay of $10 -$50 or more, or coinsurance of 10-50% or more. For patients without health insurance, an office visit typically costs $50-$200 or more.
Discounts:
Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying
patients. At St. Joseph Hospital[7] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.
Shopping for a sleep center:
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers a list of accredited centers and labs[8] across the country.
The Center for Sleep Medicine at The MetroHealth System in Cincinnati Ohio offers a checklist of reminders[9] for patients who are preparing for a sleep study.
Christ Hospital in Jersey City, NJ, has an online quiz[10] to help patients determine whether or not they may suffer from a sleep disorder.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]