Medicare Coverage is available for Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Treatment
Top News New Oral Appliance Coverage Determination Released In late November, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) released a new local coverage determination for oral appliances. The policy, effective for claims with dates of service on or after January 3, 2011, states that a custom fabricated mandibular advancement oral appliance (E0486) used to treat obstructive sleep apnea is covered if certain criteria are met. “The policy is a great step forward for both patients and providers. Choices in treatment are a must and treatment can now be personalized,” said Steve Moore, VP of sales and marketing for …
Patient Care for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are medical problems. Therefore, we require an objective medical assessment as a prerequisite for everyone seeking oral appliance therapy. With your best interests in mind, Dr. Blumenstock and staff function in cooperation with a medical sleep team that includes sleep physicians and other specialists such as neurologists, pulmonologists and ear, nose and throat specialists. Following referral from a physician, our patients are thoroughly examined in the dental setting by Dr. Blumenstock. With him, you will discuss all options, advantages, limitations and consequences specific to your situation. Several weeks may be needed after fitting the appropriate …
Oral Appliances 101
There are many ways to treat sleep apnea. Besides using a CPAP machine or lifestyle change, oral appliances are an excellent option. Oral Appliance therapy is the selection, design, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance. When worn during sleep, it maintains an opened, unobstructed airway in the throat. Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are devices worn in the mouth, and are similar to orthodontic retainers or mouth-guards. They have several advantages over other forms of therapy. Oral appliances are comfortable, easy to wear and care for. They are small and convenient, making them …
Dr. Blumenstock and Sleep Apnea
Did you know that Dr. Blumenstock is your dental sleep expert in New Jersey and surrounding areas? He has taken hundreds of hours of postgraduate education, as well as his 20-year plus focus on sleep medicine. He is passionate about what he does and can help improve your overall health. Central Jersey Dental Sleep Medicine cooperates with medical doctors to make sure your individual situation is fully addressed with an objective medical assessment. Dr. Blumenstock and his staff work with physicians and specialists such as neurologists, pulmonologists, and ENT physicians to help with this initial medical assessment. Snoring and obstructive …
Information Behind the CPAP Machine
The most common treatment of sleep apnea is a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Air Pressure. It uses a constant flow of air to keep the breathing passages open. A patient wears a mask that receives the airflow from a machine located next to the bed. When used efficiently, the CPAP machine has close to 100% effectiveness for sleep apnea. But, there is a 50% success rate due to patient’s inability to tolerate the machine. Many complain that it is noisy, restricts movement, and causes side effects such as dry throat and raw skin where the mask is …
Sleep Apnea: How and When to get Treated
It’s estimated that as many as 15 million people suffer from sleep apnea, it is more prevalent in men than women. If you snore, already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, use a CPAP machine or suffer from any symptoms of sleep apnea, then you are a good candidate for treatment. Some symptoms of sleep apnea include: depression, dry mouth, falling asleep while driving or working, gasping or choking during sleep, general tiredness during the day, irritability or anxiety, restless sleep, and snoring with pauses in breathing. If someone suspects they may have sleep apnea, a sleep study (polysomnogram) should be …
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea NJ
Oral Appliance therapy involves the selection, design, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains an opened, unobstructed airway in the throat. Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are devices worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth-guards. They have several advantages over other forms of therapy. Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear and care for. They are small and convenient, making them easy to carry with you when you travel. Treatment with oral appliances is reversible and non-invasive. SomnoMed The SomnoMed MAS is a …
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