Stricter industry standards mean people with sleep apnea can rest more easily

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) will be more comfortable taking tests at clinics in British Columbia as the government ensures tighter oversight of testing facilities and support by allowing clinics accredited billing through the medical service plan (MSP).

OSA causes people to stop and start breathing repeatedly while they sleep. Severe cases include more than 30 respiratory stops per hour. Some patients have been known to have over 70 per hour.

“Approximately 629,000 people in British Columbia suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and we know it can be serious and lead to sleep deprivation and poor cardiovascular health,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This is why the province regulates home sleep apnea testing facilities and requires them to be accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia to continue operating in the province to better support and improve the quality of services provided to people with OSA. “

As of January 1, 2022, accredited and qualified home sleep apnea testing facilities may bill the MSP. To support this change, the province is investing up to approximately $ 5 million per year. This will help ensure that individuals benefit from the professional standards required by accreditation, such as a qualified medical director, medical interpreter and technical staff. It also allows the government to collect reliable test data, which was not previously available, and helps create consistent access to care for people.

“Institutional accreditation is an important step in bringing the home sleep apnea testing industry into the consumer health sector, while improving clinical consistency and building patient confidence. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, through our Diagnostic Accreditation Program, has been pleased to work with the Ministry to achieve these results, ”said Dr. Michael Murray, Deputy Registrar, Accreditation Programs, College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.

To improve referral practices for physicians and reduce inappropriate referrals and repeat testing, steps have also been taken to help provide information to physicians, for example by developing a provincial standard request form for physicians. home sleep apnea testing and a clinical guideline, called obstructive sleep. Apnea: evaluation and management in adults.

These changes are the result of a Ministry of Health review of sleep diagnostic testing in British Columbia, which began in 2019. At the time of the review, there were approximately 250 unregulated facilities in Columbia. British. accreditation requirements met.

A consultation on the changes was conducted with representatives from the home sleep apnea testing industry, family physicians and sleep disorders, and the Patient Voices Network.

Fast facts:

  • In British Columbia, an estimated 24% of people between the ages of 30 and 69, or about 629,000 people, have some form of OSA.
  • The prevalence of moderate to severe OSA is about 5% or about 123,000 people.
  • Older men are the most sensitive, as are overweight people.
  • A home sleep apnea test includes a kit that records respiratory activity, oxygen levels, and heart rate throughout the night.
  • Home sleep apnea testing is best suited for people at increased risk for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and should be ordered by a doctor or nurse practitioner, through referral to a facility. approved.

To learn More:

The Diagnostic Sleep Medicine Review is available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/practitioner-pro/medical-services-plan/diagnostic-facilities/diagnostic-sleep-medicine-report.pdf

The guideline on Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Assessment and Management in Adults is available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/bc-guidelines/sleep -apnea

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