Respiratory & Sleep Service

Unfortunately while sleep disorders are a real and serious issue, the sleep industry is notoriously dodgy. I wish I had read up about it before I went to see these people.

The problem with the entire medical industry is that it's really easy for them to price gauge because people tend to just trust their referring doctor and go where they are referred rather than shopping around and comparing costs which allows the free market to do its thing. And if you have sleep apnoea then you are up for large and ongoing out of pocket costs. So it is worth doing some research up front and finding out your best option process & cost wise before you start down the costly diagnostic journey. And don't be put off by rude admin staff who don't want to share details up front. That is likely a sign they have something to hide.

I went to the clinic believing I was going to have an at home sleep study as my doctor recommended. Instead I was pre-charged $400 (only 140 back on medicare) to see a sleep doctor to double refer me for the sleep test which is not covered by medicare. I don't understand 1) why are they charging as specialist doctors when they are only being rebated like a long GP appointments, 2) why are they demanding pre-payment, I have NEVER encountered that for a medical appointment before, and 3) why should I effectively need a DOUBLE referral for a sleep study when it is not covered by medicare (so they can't say the referrals are needed to justify the billing to medicare).

By contrast to this I later contacted a sleep dentist and he referred me for a sleep study for free based on a quick email exchange.

Also in the appointment the doctor basically told me I would have to have a CPAP machine even if I only have mild sleep apnoea. But I have researched this and there are easier and cheaper options for mild-moderate apnoea. Research indicates only about 50% of people can actually handle the CPAP (based on 50% non compliance) and because of their need for constant servicing they are a HUGE ongoing expense.

So anyway, be smarter than me and do your homework before you commence what might end up being a very long-term relationship with a particular sleep service provider.