Question about Sleep Apnea/Cpap & Insurance

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the forum.  I have a few questions... My Dr. Ordered a Split Study Polysomonographic test for Sleep Apnea, Ok I did this and the report came back, and yes I have a mild form of it.  I figured now that its confirmed that I have it, it will be easier for my insurance company to approve the surgery. Now i was all excited to see the doctor again to schedule the surgery - this was the last thing on my hit list to complete, (the freaking report took 2.5 weeks to complete) and now the surgeon's office  tells me I have to do another sleep study - this cpap titration thing before I can schedule surgery.  I don't understand why I have to do another sleep study.  I looked at my insurance claims...and after the first one, with the deductible and the coinsurance im out like almost $800.00, if I do another test I'll be down another $400.00 in coinsurance.  I really don't want to pay another 400-500 dollars.  Does anyone know why I have to do an additional test?  So I can wear a mask during and after the surgery so I  don't choke or something?  I feel that the weight is the cause of this, and once I get the surgery, it should go away??  I feel like this process just milks money from me and the insurance company.... Also, anyone know how long it takes Oxford Insurance - Freedom plan to approve this surgery?  I got a few good (bad) things going for me - type 2 diabetes (on byetta, metformin, and glipizide), hypertension (on Norvasc, Diovan, and Monopril), and now sleep apnea.  I would really like to get this done ASAP. Any help or input with someone with a similar experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks herb

I think the titration study is so they know what settings your CPAP machine should be on.  The first study only told them that you have sleep apnea and you need treatment.  This second one will tell them what amount of pressure will keep you from having the bad effects of sleep apnea.   But ask your doctor or his office personnel for their explanation of why you need it.   I know there are so many hurdles before you get your appt. and/or surgery date.  But it will be worth it.   As for the Oxford Ins., I don't know anything about them. Good luck to you -- LisaD  

Hi Herb,
I think Lisa is right. I had to go for a sleep study as well, thought it was over and yes I had to go for a 2nd! They told me it was to find out what setting I am at. Yes, it was a big waste of time and money for me, but my insurance company covered it. I just had to pay a $20.00 co-pay each time. In order to get a machine my insurance comp would not buy one but would pay some towards the renting of one. Which was &53.00 a month!! THANK GOD I knew someone who had a CPAP machine and didn't use it anymore. Which really didn't matter either seeing I never wear it. I used it once for 3 hours. I can't sleep with it on. I never thought I had sleep apnea but they said I do. Well I slept worse with the damn machine. It is something I had to do in order to get RNY, so I just rolled with the punches.
Good Luck to you!
Debi

Thanks guys.  I just wanted to know if this was a normal practice, ...  I was figuring the Drs. Office receives a kick back from the sleep lab and he wanted to make extra money for them LOL.