ME requires sleep study but refuses to order it?

Even better - put all your conversations in writing and make copies (or email). That way if something else comes up you have documents.

 

Glad to see you have your company HR involved in this. I'm betting you will be seeing a different doctor in the near future.

 

Sorry to hear that you got caught up in the Sleep Apnea scam that's going around. I had to pay out of pocket for the full sleep study myself because my insurance didn't deem it medically necessary due to showing no symptoms of sleep apnea. I passed the test and got my 2 year card. The home study kit isn't as accurate as the lab test is. My cousin couldn't even get to sleep that night while wearing the home test kit because it was so uncomfortable. Even after laying in the bed awake for 8 hours he still got diagnosed with sleep apnea from that kit. You get diagnosed with apnea than you are tied to that machine from that point on. If you don't wear it you could be fired and medically disqualified from driving.

 

there is no fmcsa requirement for sleep apena testing, but the mega companys require it. They are trying to cover there butt in case of an accident.

 

Don't be too quick to jump into paying for this out of your own pocket. I believe you said you got a temporary card to give you some time. Just kind of cool your heels for a while and see what happens. If you get down to within a month or so, and it still hasn't been resolved, then I guess you will have to make a decision.

FWIW, although there are obvious abuses in the system over sleep apnea, when you have a serious condition with it, a CPAP is honestly a God send. I've been on one since 2001 or so, and a lot of others here have as well, and swear by them. (Of course some just swear AT them...)

 

First that's utter bs, so drop the idea.

Second, the doc can't argue with your pcp, as he/she stated go to your family doc and get one done.

So here is what I would do.

Go back to your family doc ask him/her if they accept the home study thingy and if they say yes - get it done. Have them look at the results and write a letter explaining a treatment plan you will follow. If it is negative, then they can write in the letter that it is negative and you don't need treatment but if it positive, then they can write up a simple plan to follow. Go back to the dot doc and show him the letter and tell him that this is acceptable by your pcp so it should be acceptable to the company.

 

Have you tried talking to the AMA? That DOT doc refusing to tell you if he'd accept the home study or not sounds like an out right scam to me, or some kind of violation of the AMA's rules. I'd give them a buzz as my next course of action and be sure you let that Doc know you are going to do it too.