Medicare will cover sleep testing for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced March 3.
Some local Medicare contractors have covered the sleep exams, which can range from simple home tests to more complex exams done in a sleep laboratory, but Medicare has lacked a national coverage policy on the testing.
"Medicare beneficiaries who have obstructive sleep apnea face significant risks for cardiovascular disease and other ailments," said CMS Acting Administrator Charlene Frizzera. "This coverage decision establishes nationally consistent coverage and assures that beneficiaries who have sleep apnea can be appropriately diagnosed and referred for treatment."
The CMS coverage memorandum is available online (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?id=227).
AMNews: News in brief - March 16, 2009 ... American Medical News
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