IS CPAP JUST A CASH GRAB FOR THOSE WHO DON'T REQUIRE IT?
on 12/5/12 5:36 am
I have had all my tests required for the Bariatric Surgery in Guelph (with exception to the ECG - if and when I need one?).
About a month ago had a sleep study done and passed it and was told that with 14 sleep apnea score (neck 14" also) that I don't need the CPAP machine. The sleep Doc was worried about my sleep pattern the past 2 weeks on my sleep log and I explained it was due to some abnormal stress in my life. Funny thing is they didn't know but my husband just got the diagnosed and had a score of 58. They told him 30 was bad.
Then she requested I go to a 2nd sleep study (this time with the CPAP machine). The machine along with the electrodes gave me the worst sleep ever! Then they told me I could take the machine home for a month trial.
As I sat there in the clinic for my follow up, I counted the folks that came in and where directed to the SMG down the Street from the clinic. I think it is a big cash grab as I sleep fine normally (with undue stress). Telling someone who doesn't need it to try it out to hopefully buy is for $2000 + total and the inconvenience of it! This should not be taken lightly. Not everyone has insurance and the extra $250 to cover the outstanding portion of the bill. The sleep clinic must make some cash on this for the referrals. What do you think???
I think OHIP and insurance companies are being billed for machines that folks really don't need!
on 12/5/12 5:48 am - Bumfuknowhere, Canada
No I don't think the sleep clinics get a kick back or anything else. I had no symptoms of sleep apnea at all when my doc sent me and I had severe sleep apnea with many episodes yet I had no headaches or waking up or snoring or anything. Sleeping with CPAP is a pain in the ass at first but once you get used to it, you get a much better sleep than you could ever imagine.
It would be beyond unethical to just use it a cash cow and I can't see any doctor risking his licence to just make a bit of extra kickback cash when doctors are well paid to begin with. If you were prescribed a cpap and didn't need it, it's as dangerous to use it as it is for someone with apnea not to wear it so NO I still don't believe that there is anything more to it. People referred there are usually referred for a reason so of course many of them are going to have apnea.
I am sorry you had such a bad experience. For those of us that really need it is literally a life saver. I have sever sleep apnea. Before my machine I could fall asleep in a chair talking to you. I was passing out at the wheel of our car. I would wake up in the morning so exhausted it was like I never slept. I was told I was working harder at night trying to breath than during the day. I have sent 2 other people for tests. They like me found the machine gave them the first real sleep they had had in years. So if you need it is is awesome but no one should get one if they do not need it.
You have gotten some good imput from Tracey and Pam. I also had sleep apnea
and I can't believe how good of sleep I get with my C-Pap machine. I was so sleep
deprived I didn't know what it felt like to actually be rested when I woke up in the morning.
My machine has been a real lifesaver to me, and like Tracey said, the doctors get paid enough
and put in long hours to keep there license without trying to cash in on something like this.
Sounds like things are moving along well for you, good luck! 
I had my surgery in Guelph too!
I'm going to give you my 2 cents here, I scored an 11 on my sleep study. The doctor at the clinic told me I could get one if I wanted but I was on the fence. So obviously I chose NOT! When I found out how ridiculously expensive they were. Then when at the clinic talking to the nurse, she read the report and said I wasn't even close to needing one, considering some people come in with 65-75 score. I spoke with a customer of mine at work, and when we were discussing CPAP, she told me that she worked at a clinic in a neighbouring community and the doctors DO get a kick back and that's why they try and pu**** My totally uneducated guess would be that at 14 you don't need it. Save the $2000+ for new clothes 
on 12/5/12 7:06 am - Bumfuknowhere, Canada
Your out of pocket is not $2000 as ADP picks up most of it. Your out of pocket with an upgraded mask is $260. Considering my sleep specialist gave me a prescription for cpap and didn't insist I get it filled at a specific supplier I still don't believe it. An ex-employee usually has a lot of things to say about their previous employers so I'd be taking that comment with a huge ass grain of salt. You obviously have apnea but it's mild so does not have to be treated and you were simply given the choice to treat or not.
on 12/5/12 11:47 am
The above answers are right on! I had my sleep test done and it was (in the environment I was in a snorer in the next room and electrodes everywhere) normal. They said I could do a free trial with the machine and another study, so I tried it. Well it didn't make any difference for me I was still tired during the day. So I told them and didn't do the second study. BUT: I do know someone with very bad sleep apnea to the point that he would just fall asleep in a chair at any time. Now that he has the CPAP machine, he doesn't fall asleep anymore during the day and feels 100x better! So yes it really does work! (just not for me)
Melissa!
Surgery was July 19 2012, and I am doing great!! Only one regret....wish I did this years ago!!!!
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