I think I have a respiratory or sleep disorder. What should I do?
If you suspect you have a respiratory or sleep disorder, please discuss your symptoms with your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP may then write a referral for you to undergo consultation, testing or therapy at one of the Sleep WA clinical sites or sleep laboratories. Specialists such as Cardiologists, Endocrinologists and Psychiatrists can also write referrals to Sleep WA. Once a referral is received from your GP or specialist, you may call 1300 570 700 for a booking. Alternatively, your referring doctor may fax a referral or letter to Sleep WA at (08) 9386 7844 and a member of the Sleep WA staff will contact you to make a booking. Medicare rebates do not apply unless there is a valid referral from a GP, specialist or approved allied health professional.
What happens after I have a respiratory test or sleep study?
If you do not have a follow up appointment with Dr Philpott, please make a follow-up appointment with your GP approximately 1-2 weeks after your test or study. Your GP will have the report approximately one week after the test/study date. Any diagnostic results or treatment recommendations should be discussed with your GP at this follow up visit. If you are recommended a trial of CPAP therapy, our preferred therapy provider will contact you approximately two weeks after your sleep study date to arrange a one-month trial of CPAP therapy.
What is the wait list for an appointment at Sleep WA?
The waiting period for a laboratory (inpatient) sleep study at any one of the four Sleep WA laboratories is typically 1 to 3 weeks. Appointments for a home sleep study or respiratory testing procedure can usually be made within one week. The wait for a Specialist consultation is variable. Whether a patient needs a consult or testing procedure, Sleep WA will endeavour to make the booking process as convenient and efficient as possible.
What is the minimum patient age required to undergo testing at Sleep WA?
Respiratory testing may be conducted on patients 14 years and older. In-Hospital sleep studies can be conducted on patients 16 years and older, while at home sleep studies can be conducted on patients 18 years and older.