Do I Meet The Criteria For A “HST” Home Sleep Test?
Before you consider getting an “HST” you must meet certain requirements and some of these are listed below. Not all persons wanting a “HST” will be a candidate for one.
If you have any of these conditions below you will not qualify. Please note: there may be other medical conditions not listed that could disqualify you for a “HST”.
If you have any of the following you may require a sleep lab test instead of home sleep testing:
- Patient is dependent on supplemental oxygen (24 hour or nocturnal)
- Moderate or severe CHF
- Moderate or severe pulmonary disease
- Progressive neuromuscular disorder
- Evidence of central sleep apnea
- Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- Narcolepsy
- Patient is 18 years old or younger
If the above describe you, you may not qualify for a home sleep study. Instead, we can test you in the sleep lab which allows us to test more with greater accuracy. There may be other factors that may prevent you from being a candidate for a Home Sleep Study or qualify you for one.
Will my insurance cover my home sleep test?
Many insurers will opt to have patients complete a home sleep test before a sleep lab, but criteria still must be met in order to qualify.
Certain payers require as many as four (4) symptoms but at least two (2). If you have the symptoms or issues below, your insurance will likely pay for a home sleep test.
o Excessive daytime sleepiness
o Witnessed apnea/gasping or choking during sleep
o Habitual snoring
o Obesity, BMI >30
o None restorative sleep
o Hypertension
o Diabetes
o Cardiovascular disorder, cerebrovascular disorder,
sustained supraventricular tachycardic or bradycardic arrhythmia
o Craniofacial or upper airway soft tissue abnormalities
o Morning headaches
Your best bet, as always, is to talk to your doctor. They can contact our offices to discuss your symptoms, and ultimately make a referral.
