Study shows that diagnostic delay is common for people who have narcolepsy
Most people with narcolepsy report receiving a diagnosis more than 1 year after symptom onset, according to a study in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Sleep doctor describes how to navigate challenges of telemedicine billing
In a recent Part B News blog post, AASM member Dr. Seema Khosla described her success implementing and billing for telemedicine.
Show compliance with updated accreditation standards by submitting attestation form by July 1
By July 1, 2017, all AASM-accredited facilities must show compliance with the updated 2016 Standards for Accreditation by completing a reaccreditation application (if applicable) or submitting a signed attestation.
Clarification and apology to the AASM regarding March 16 press release by Itamar Medical
Itamar Medical Ltd. Issued a statement to clarify its press release, "An Important Recognition in the US Market for the WatchPAT™ Device" from March 16.
AAMC projections continue to predict physician shortage
A recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is projecting that the United States will face a shortage of between 40,800 and 104,900 physicians by 2030.
AASM commends NHTSA for releasing new report on drowsy driving
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) commends the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for developing the new report, Asleep at the Wheel: A National Compendium of Efforts to Eliminate Drowsy Driving, which was released today at the 10th International Conference on Managing Fatigue in San Diego, California.
ACGME finalizes changes to resident work period length
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently released a final set of revisions to Section VI of the Common Program Requirements for all accredited U.S. residency and fellowship programs, eliminating the 16-hour duty period limit for first-year residents.
Congressional Budget Office scores the Republican ACA replacement bill
This week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that The American Health Care Act, which has been proposed by House Republicans as a replacement for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), would result in 24 million Americans losing their health insurance while raising premiums for those covered on the individual market.
High–risk pools addressed in ACA replacement debate
As Republican lawmakers continue to work on passing The American Health Care Act (AHCA), state-run high-risk pools could make a comeback. Some experts have touted high-risk pools as a better, less-market-distorting way to provide care to patients with pre-existing conditions, while others say the pools are expensive and unsustainable.
AASM president discusses stress and sleep in USA Today supplement
A column from AASM President Dr. Ronald Chervin discussing “How Stress Can Impact Your Sleep” appeared in a “Sleep Sensitivity” supplement in last weekend’s USA Today in the New York, Los Angeles, Detroit and New Orleans markets.
AASM members share expertise and insight with national and online news media
Recent news coverage of sleep-related topics has included the expertise and insight of AASM members who have helped raise awareness of the importance of healthy sleep.
Colorado Dental Board to consider dentist’s role in managing sleep apnea
The Colorado Dental Board has created a committee comprising members of Colorado’s Dental Board and a member of the Colorado Medical Board to examine the current Dentist and Dental Hygienist Practice Act to determine if these rules and regulations should be revised to allow for more dental involvement in the management of obstructive sleep apnea.
AASM publishes new guideline for diagnostic testing for adult sleep apnea
A new clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine establishes clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
GOP unveils its plan to replace the Affordable Care Act
On March 6, House Republicans unveiled their broad plan for replacing the Affordable Care Act (i.e., Obamacare). Known as The American Health Care Act, the legislation would repeal and replace Obamacare with the stated intent of transitioning to a more patient-centered health care system.
Annual Insomnia Awareness Day is Monday, March 13
Monday, March 13, is the fourth annual Insomnia Awareness Day, which was instituted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to bring attention to this common sleep disorder.
AASM members share expertise and insight with national and online news media
Recent news coverage of sleep-related topics has included the expertise and insight of AASM members who have helped raise awareness of the importance of healthy sleep.
Member Notes: AASM congratulates members on recent career achievements
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates members Terri E. Weaver, PhD, RN, and Michael Grandner, PhD, for their recent achievements.
Study examines predictors of disturbed sleep in U.S. veterans
Trauma exposure itself may not be an independent risk factor for disturbed sleep in veterans, according to a study in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Media coverage may impact reports of adverse events related to zolpidem
Negative media coverage greatly exacerbated the reporting of adverse drug reactions related to zolpidem, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
NIH seeks grant proposals to study circadian processes and cancer
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued funding opportunity announcements for R01 research project grants (RFA-CA-17-017) and R21 exploratory/development grants (RFA-CA-17-018) to solve specific problems and paradoxes in cancer research.
FDA approves first treatment for frequent urination at night
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Noctiva (desmopressin acetate) nasal spray for adults who awaken at least two times per night to urinate due to a condition known as nocturnal polyuria (overproduction of urine during the night).
Study evaluates computerized CBT for insomnia in a community mental health center
Computer-based delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improves sleep in individuals with insomnia and co-occurring mental illness, according to a study in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Upcoming RUC survey for home sleep apnea testing codes
In the coming days, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine will launch an AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) survey of the CPT codes for home sleep apnea testing (95800, 95801, 95806). In order to help the RUC accurately describe the physician resources required for HSAT, we need sleep physicians to complete the survey.
Case series suggests sleep trackers can prompt sleep problems
A new case series in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that sleep trackers can prompt sleep problems.
New CDC report analyzes short sleep duration by occupation group
Today the CDC released a new report analyzing short sleep duration by occupation group based on data from currently employed adults surveyed for the 2013 and 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 29 states.