CBT outperforms Tai Chi for treatment of chronic insomnia in older adults
A randomized, controlled, comparative efficacy trial shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) performed better than Tai Chi Chih in remission of clinical insomnia among 123 older adults.
People with insomnia are at risk of drowsy driving in the morning
According to a study in the September issue of SLEEP, people with insomnia were able to drive safely during the first portion of a one-hour simulated driving test that began at 9 a.m.
Employers project 4-5 percent increase in employee health care costs
The Washington Post reported how employers expect to pay between 4 percent and 5 percent more for workers' health benefits in 2015, despite implementing numerous cost-saving measures. According to multiple surveys distributed to thousands of mid-sized and large companies, the projected cost increase is in line with previous years, but the continued pressure from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and steadily increasing health care costs have required businesses to find new ways to cut overall health costs.
ICD-10 testing weeks announced
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in an educational article published in late August that it would conduct three testing weeks in advance of the Oct. 1, 2015 implementation date of ICD-10.
Quarterly Product Catalog – educational product specials
Don’t miss out on the exclusive deals in the Q3 Quarterly Product Catalog featuring education products for Clinicians, Sleep Technologists, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Take advantage of discounted pricing on some of the most popular AASM products and save big while supplies last. Complete the product order form at the end of the catalog and mail or fax it to the AASM National Office today.
Attend the PAP Sessions at the PA/NP course
New to this year’s Sleep Disorders for the PA/NP course are can’t-miss sessions related to PAP and PAP treatment. Don’t miss out on sessions such as Complicated OSA: PAP Machine Features & Quirks, Behavioral approaches to PAP Adherence and Alternative OSA Treatments to PAP. Secure your seat today and save $150 when you register for the Sleep Disorders for the PA/NP course on or before September 19.
CPAP helps “Stop the Snore,” repairs brain damage caused by sleep apnea
A study in the September issue of the journal SLEEP shows that one year of CPAP therapy reversed the white matter damage caused by severe obstructive sleep apnea. A key warning sign for sleep apnea is snoring, cautions the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project.
Brain damage caused by severe sleep apnea is reversible
A neuroimaging study is the first to show that white matter damage caused by severe obstructive sleep apnea can be reversed by continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The results underscore the importance of the “Stop the Snore” campaign of the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Research Society and other partners.
ASMF announces 2014 Category I and II Strategic Research Awards
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has reorganized its grant program and is offering two new grant opportunities for 2014. The Strategic Research Award (SRA) Category I is for applicants seeking funding for projects up to $250,000; the Category II awards are for projects up to $100,000. The SRA program aims to foster health services research and patient-oriented research in sleep medicine, improve outcomes and demonstrate value.
Study identifies four microRNAs that may be linked to hypersomnias
Alterations of microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in the pathophysiology of central hypersomnias, suggests a study in the September issue of SLEEP. Results show that the levels of four miRNAs differed in plasma from patients with type 1 narcolepsy, type 2 narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. According to the authors, looking at the targets of these miRNAs will promote understanding of the pathogenesis of central hypersomnias.
Study links healthy sleep duration to fewer sick days from work
A study in the September issue of SLEEP found that the risk of an extended absence from work due to sickness rose sharply among those who reported sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 9 hours per night. The results underscore the importance of the “Sleep Well, Be Well” campaign of the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project.
CMS finalizes EHR Meaningful Use rule
On Aug 29 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a rule finalizing policy for EHR Meaningful Use. The rule includes a delay to the stage 3 meaningful use implementation for some reporters as well as more flexibility in certified EHR technology.
WPS Medicare issues reversal of denied claims for polysomnography services
WPS Medicare recently released a following statement on its provider home page and via its eNews email alert regarding a reversal of claims denials.
CMS will automatically renew coverage for federal exchange
CMS issued final regulations affirming that the federal exchange will automatically renew health plans for 2015 if consumers have not made any modifications to their existing plan by Dec. 15.
Registration now open for Sleep Medicine Trends 2015
Further your knowledge with Sleep Medicine Trends 2015, a leading event for sleep medicine clinicians coming Feb. 20-22, 2015, at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s keynote address “Implementing the AASM’s Quality Measures into Your Practice” will be presented by AASM President, Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler. A full slate of presenters will be announced soon. Register now to secure your seat in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Sleep Disorders for the PA/NP: Two weeks left to save $150 on advanced registration
Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners - save $150 when you register on or before September 19 for the Sleep Disorders for the Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner course.
Last chance to register for National Sleep Medicine Course
Space is limited and time is running out to register for the National Sleep Medicine Course. From Sept. 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, an expert faculty of academics and clinicians at the forefront of the field will present on current topics in sleep medicine. These presenters will give attendees a complete overview of all content that they need to know. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay current in sleep medicine while earning CME & MOC at this must-attend course.
Study links healthy sleep duration to less sick time from work
New research suggests that sleeping 7 to 8 hours per night is associated with the lowest risk of absence from work due to sickness. The results underscore the importance of the “Sleep Well, Be Well” campaign of the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Research Society and other partners.
Study explores feasibility of home sleep apnea testing in children
A new study in the August issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine evaluated the feasibility of comprehensive home sleep apnea testing, including electroencephalography (EEG), in 201 school-aged children.
Study examines home sleep apnea testing in an urban population
A randomized, crossover study in the August issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine examined the feasibility of home sleep apnea testing in an urban, African-American population at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
New Yorker explores the genetics of short sleep duration
Last week an in-depth New Yorker article explored the genetics of short sleep duration, spotlighting a study in the August issue of SLEEP. In the article AASM member and Sleep Research Society President Dr. Allan Pack describes an ongoing international collaboration to sequence the CLOCK genes and identify mutations that may affect sleep physiology.
AASM experts quoted in media coverage of school start times
This week media outlets across the country have been requesting expert comments from AASM spokespersons on the issue of early school start times for teens.
Prepare for ICD-10 coding with the AASM’s Crosswalk
Purchase the ICD-9 to ICD-10 Sleep Medicine Crosswalk to prepare for the ICD-10 transition in October 1, 2015. Learn the correct coding for all sleep disorders described in the ICSD-3 by reviewing the ICD-9 to ICD-10 Crosswalk, the easiest tool for assigning the most accurate code.
National Sleep Medicine Course is a must-attend course for physicans
Take advantage of this chance to earn CME and MOC by attending 20 sessions focused on sleep disorders at the National Sleep Medicine Course.
Help spread awareness with the Stop the Snore pledge
The AASM is urging the public to pledge to Stop the Snore and talk to a doctor about sleep apnea. Help make the pledge a success by sharing the pledge on social media (#StoptheSnore).