For you to thrive throughout the day, you must get quality sleep each night. For someone with sleep apnea, it is much more difficult to stay asleep throughout the night without interruptions. This can lead to numerous other serious health effects. If you think that you might have sleep apnea or you have recently received a diagnosis, you are likely starting to think about the cost of your treatment. Will it be covered by your medical insurance? Continue reading to learn more.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Sleep Apnea Testing?
If you think that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, you need to seek a diagnosis before you can receive treatment. This means that you have to undergo a sleep study. Fortunately, sleep studies are usually covered by medical insurance if they are deemed to be medically necessary. However, it is always a good idea to confirm this with your medical insurance provider ahead of time so that you don’t run into any surprises.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
For many decades, CPAP therapy has been the way to go when it comes to treating sleep apnea. In fact, it is still the most prescribed method today. While it works great for many people, others find this approach to be uncomfortable and difficult to comply with. If CPAP isn’t right for you, there is an alternative, more conservative solution: oral appliances. An oral appliance is worn throughout the night and works by shifting the lower jaw forward, therefore preventing the airway from becoming blocked and cutting off breathing while you sleep.
Are Oral Appliances Covered by Medical Insurance?
In most cases, medical insurance providers cover the cost of an oral appliance. Even though oral appliances are provided by dentists, they are used to treat a medical condition, so they aren’t included in your dental insurance plan. Just remember that it is best to confirm your coverage with your medical insurance provider ahead of time. If you need any help understanding your plan and how it works, don’t hesitate to ask your dental team. They file claims all the time and have a thorough understanding of how it works.
When it comes to diagnosing and treating your sleep apnea, medical insurance likely covers different aspects of your appointments and equipment. If you have any concerns about the cost of your treatment, bring it up to your dental team. This way, they can inform you of other options to help you get the quality sleep you need without breaking the bank.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Rodgers has been in private practice for over 20 years and specializes in dental sleep medicine. Currently, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA). Dr. Rodgers is a board-certified sleep expert and treats patients who suffer from sleep-breathing disorders at his practice in Dunwoody. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment and/or medical insurance or to schedule an appointment at his practice in Dunwoody, visit his website or call (770) 394-4310.