Physicians can improve their sleep center operations by distributing a home sleep testing unit like DreamClear™ to facilitate self-administered tests.
What is a sleep center?
Sleep centers are facilities with labs for physicians to measure a patient’s sleep patterns. This helps determine whether a patient has sleep apnea or a related sleep disorder. Sleep centers that offer an in-lab sleep study require an overnight stay and continuous monitoring for an accurate evaluation.
Improve Sleep Center Operations
Sleep Lab Software
Sleep lab software like REMmanager enables physicians to store patients’ electronic medical records securely. Additionally, modern cloud-based software allows physicians on-the-go to access information whether they’re at a sleep center or at home. Previously, on-premises databases limited information to single sleep centers.
Now, physicians have greater flexibility in running the sleep center, while giving patients unprecedented appointment availability with reduced wait times. Additionally, providers can reduce their overhead by eliminating staff that would typically be assigned to record-keeping.
Virtual Sleep Center
While more serious sleep disorders will still require an in-lab visit, common conditions like sleep apnea can be self-diagnosed and treated at home. If a patient is exhibiting sleep apnea symptoms, a home sleep testing unit like DreamClear can be shipped directly to the patient’s home. Upon completion of the test, patients use an app to send data to the physician. Results are available within 7 days, at which time the physician meets with the patient over a telemedicine appointment to discuss the treatment plan.
Given that sleep apnea affects over a quarter of the U.S. population ages 30 to 70, the virtual sleep center model has benefits for both patients and providers. Patients no longer have to come into the office, and doctors can focus on patients who have more chronic sleep issues. In addition, sleep doctors are able to reach a wider audience as rural communities often have limited access to labs.
Telemedicine
Over the last several months, telemedicine has become increasingly popular furthering the virtual sleep center model. Telemedicine is the use of technology by medical professionals to host video appointments with patients. Patients can now get questions or concerns answered in real time, improving end-to-end care.
Until recently, patients would have to come into the office for a full evaluation. Today, a video call between the physician and patient is sufficient. Taking appointments via telemedicine can help keep costs down as the office only needs to be open for serious conditions and emergencies.
Enhance the Patient Experience with DreamClear
Since the discovery of sleep apnea in 1965, patients had to visit a sleep center to receive their diagnosis. Recent developments now enable patients to manage the entire experience from the comfort of their home. Home sleep testing units, like DreamClear, allow patients to take the test sleeping in their own bed. In addition to the convenience, patients who are more relaxed will get a more restful sleep in turn producing more accurate test results.
To learn more about using DreamClear, speak with a member of our team today.