BMI Neck Measurement = Sleep Study

Well yes, that is the judgement part of us medical examiners - when to send for sleep studies or not given history (and exam with co-morbidity).

 

As you stated, there is no requirement for it under DOT.

The problem is that many companies are doing this on their own and with the influence of the insurance companies. I wonder if there are kickbacks involved as well.

 

How about the option of a second opinion ..... Cause we know a doctor is always right the first time around.

 

"SKINNY" people can have sleep apnea too!

Let's get some facts straight! Sleep studies ARE covered by most insurance plans.
Will you have a co-pay? Depends on YOUR policy.
Will you have to do a "home study" first? Depends on YOUR policy.

Roadmedic, I am surprised that you would make that statement. I would have thought that you knew the consequences of sleep apnea better than most.

Actually, I have posted this before in the "DRIVER'S HEALTH" thread, UNTREATED Obstructive Sleep Apnea can lead to Erectile Dysfunction!

There are also multiple other long term health consequences of ignoring sleep apnea.
Let's just name a few:
High blood pressure
cardiac arrhythmias
Myocardial infarction aka heart attack
Coronary artery disease
Pulmonary hypertension
Stroke
GI issues(ulcers, hiatal hernia, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome)
Mood and personality disorders
Excessive daytime sleepiness

Is that enough?

People with UNTREATED sleep apnea will die 10-15 years earlier than average!!!

Not to mention, how many people you might take with you if something happens with you behind the wheel of your truck!!!

I drove for 17 years. I understand the argument against mandatory sleep apnea testing. I USED TO FEEL THE SAME WAY, EVEN THOUGH I MYSELF HAVE SLEEP APNEA (diagnosed in 1998 b/c I recognized that I had a problem, using CPAP every single night since my diagnosis)!

Drivers, sleep apnea is no joke!!! It can seriously affect you, BUT IT CAN BE TREATED. If you even think you might have a problem, do the motoring public, your friends, your family, but especially yourself, do us all a favor!!! Ask your doctor about sleep apnea.

For those of us on BP meds, cardiac meds, you might be able to treat the real problem.

I can not stress this strongly enough, lack of a good night's sleep or sleep full of interruptions IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!!!

 

I am sorry truckerdave it was meant in fun and yet I DO know and understand the risks MY wife has it. but a little laugher won't hurt anyone and like all things bad you have to find away to make light of it every now and then. did not mean to offend you.

 

No offense taken by me. And hopefully, I did not offend either.

I am learning Polysomnography(the science and study of sleep and sleep disorders) in school to become a polysomnographic technologist(the guy that sticks all the wires on you, watches you sleep, and interprets the findings).

I was AMAZED to learn just how much damage a little bit of snoring could actually do. You could say I am very passionate about this issue and I really just want people to know the truth.

If I can save one person's life or improve the quality of that life, then I feel like I have accomplished my goal.

 

Dave, no one is arguing that Untreated sleep apnea is dangerous. What many are having an issue with, is the companies demanding that drivers undergo a sleep study, with regulations requiring it.
Now, you and I understand that companies CAN do whatever they want. SO long as it is stricter than Federal minimums.
But there is still no FMCSA requirement for BMI testing or Sleep apnea testing.

 

...YET!!!

It is coming. I don't see it as a necessarily bad thing.

I can honestly say this, my diagnosis and subsequent probably saved my life!
I was incredibly unhealthy and miserable, both physically and mentally! My mental outlook is probably 95% better and my health is probably 75% better.