Medicare Announces Final Coverage Policy for Sleep Testing for the
Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new
policy for Medicare coverage of sleep testing for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The decision
provides coverage for specified sleep tests that are used to confirm the diagnosis in patients who have clinical
signs and symptoms of OSA. OSA is a condition that is characterized by periods of apnea during sleep.
Apnea is defined as a temporary absence in breathing. Persons with OSA usually snore; however, not
everyone who snores has OSA. Persons with OSA also tend to exhibit daytime drowsiness that can cause
accidents with motor vehicles and machinery. Long term OSA can lead to cardiovascular problems.
