These articles that have been posted on the AASM website in 2018 received the most online pageviews from Jan. 1 – June 30:

1. Updated AASM Scoring Manual, Version 2.5, to be released April 2
The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events, Version 2.5, will be released April 2, 2018.

2. Fitbit reveals results from analysis of 6 billion nights of sleep data
In a Yahoo Finance exclusive, a Fitbit data scientist and Fitbit’s lead sleep research scientist discussed findings from their analysis of data from 6 billion nights of its customers’ sleep.

3. New algorithm determines ideal caffeine dosage and timing for alertness
According to a recent study, a newly developed algorithm may be the key to optimizing alertness with caffeine.

4. Medscape Physician Compensation Report shows salaries vary by specialty
The Medscape Physician Compensation Report indicates that the average physician compensation for specialists in 2018 is $329,000, which is up from $316,000 in 2017.

5. AMA resolution and AASM advocacy defend the sleep profession
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has begun a new nationwide initiative to defend the scope of practice of physicians and advanced care providers who manage patients with obstructive sleep apnea from encroachment by dentists and other practitioners, who are not trained or qualified to diagnose a medical disease.

6. Palmetto GBA now requiring sleep-specific accreditation in Jurisdictions J and M
Medicare contractor Palmetto GBA recently released revisions to its local coverage determination (LCD) policy for polysomnography and other sleep studies for Medicare Jurisdictions J and M (L36593), affecting sleep facilities in 7 states: Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

7. AASM posts updated sleep apnea testing policy scorecard for UnitedHealthcare
The AASM has posted an updated scorecard for the diagnostic sleep apnea testing policy of UnitedHealthcare, which reflects changes made to the UHC policy effective Dec. 1, 2017.

8. AASM makes important updates to the Standards for Accreditation
Now available on the AASM website are updated Standards for Accreditation of sleep facilities and Independent Sleep Practice Standards for Accreditation.

9. CMS to lead an interagency review of the Stark Law
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma recently indicated that CMS will form an interagency group to evaluate physician concerns about the Stark Law, according to reports by multiple outlets including Modern Healthcare and Fierce Healthcare.

10. CDC reports that unsafe infant sleep practices remain common in U.S.
A new analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that a high rate of unsafe infant sleep practices is reported by mothers in the U.S.