Home Sleep Apnea Tests

 

Important Differences by State

It is the position of the AADSM that it is within the scope of practice, in states where it is not specifically prohibited, for a qualified dentist to order or administer home sleep apnea tests (HSAT).

State dental boards may not have a publicly available position about HSAT for a variety of reasons. It is common for dental practice acts to define the practice of dentistry without specifying by name the products, materials and equipment that dentists are permitted to use. Some state dental boards view the dentist's role in ordering or administering HSAT to be a matter of care standards and not a regulatory issue. Also, in some states, the dental board will issue positions only about activities that are deemed excluded from the scope of dental practice rather than specifying all of the activities that dentists may do.

It is the responsibility of each dentist to practice within their state's laws, regulations and other guidance. To help with this, the AADSM maintains a table displaying the availability in each state of a specific position concerning HSAT. This information is based on a combination of a review of publicly available regulations, policies, and minutes issued by state dental boards.  

Please direct any questions or changes to info@aadsm.org.

State Positions on HSAT
                            

Insurance Coverage for HSAT

Commercial Insurance

Coverage for HSATs varies based on the insurer's policies. It is recommended that dental practices check with the patient's insurer to determine if the dentist will be reimbursed for HSAT and, if so, what codes and documentation are required for the claim.

Medicare 

Medicare does not cover HSAT ordered or administered by a dentist. For Medicare beneficiaries, HSATs are covered as described in LCD33611. An HSAT must be ordered by the patient's treating physician. Medicare will not cover OAT unless the HSAT is ordered by the treating physician and the diagnosis is made by the treating physician.