I am a disabled F/T student & not working. My healh plan is Kaiser HMO, but they CONTINUE to decline a Polysomnogram study req. My primary care doctor told me on 8/23/07 to give it till October 07 & if symptoms continue, she will consider MY REQUEST of referring me to UCSF sleep lab, but DECLINED on two occasions. I am very frustrated with Kaiser & my overall care. Apparently, Kaiser only does the over night pulse oximeter testing that I already had done & does not perform over night studies, known as Polysomnogram. I have been having severe breathing problems, esp. at bedtime. My oxygen continues to drop several times at bedtime (i.e. 86-88%) This is not normal for me, let alone anyone. COULD ANYONE REFER ME TO A POLYSOMNOGRAM FREE SLEEP STUDY. I have been looking on www.clinicaltrials.gov and www.clinicalconnections.com for several months, but no luck. I live near S.F. CA, but willing to travel somewhat to do this study. Pls, adv, as I have been in/out ER several time I really dont know where you could get a free sleep study. Have you tried checking with the Mayo Clinic?? That may be a good place to check into. Some sleep labs will actually workout a plan with you based on hardship, but its something you will have to look around and see what kind of deal you can work out. You can try working something out with local Sleep Centers, you may be surprised at what they are willing to do. Healthcare is tough, you would think sometimes a person health is more important than money, but unfortunately our country doesn't work that way. Good luck in your quest and best wishes. |
