Home Sleep Apnea Testing Devices
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) is seeing an increase in the billing of home sleep apnea testing utilizing devices which are considered experimental or investigational due to lack of clinical, peer-reviewed, literature. Due to advances in technology there are various home sleep apnea testing devices on the market today. Although some may have FDA approval associated with their technology, that does not mean the use of that technology or device is supported by clinical, peer-reviewed literature.
Experimental/Investigational medical devices may incorporate any or all of the following:
- Software or applications that provide automated analysis and reporting of sleep data.
- Portable monitoring devices with fewer than three (3) sensors.
- Calculation of AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index) scores utilizing proprietary algorithms.
- Two or more consecutive nights are needed to capture home sleep test data.
Providers are reminded to review the Diagnosis and Medical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome medical policy prior to ordering home sleep testing and to ensure the technology being utilized for home sleep apnea testing meets our medical policy requirements. This medical policy can be found at /providers/medical-policies.
Please contact your Professional Relations representative with any questions pertaining to this article.