The impact of sleep medicine at the society level is nowhere more evident than in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. The recent publication of "Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Unattended Portable Monitors in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adult Patients" and national coverage determination 240.4 released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services underscore the evolution of the diagnostic, treatment and care paradigms for sleep apnea.
  • A highlight of SLEEP 2008 will be "Managing Sleep Apnea – Are We There Yet?" by Ronald R. Grunstein, MD, PhD on Monday, June 9th.
  • Ofer Jacobowitz, MD, PhD and Patrick Strollo, MD will lead a course on evaluating sleep apnea titled "Sleep Apnea Examination: A Hands-on Course" Sunday, June 8th.
  • Eric Kezirian, MD will try to answer "When Should I Refer Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients for Surgery" in a workshop on Monday, June 9th.
  • The largest epidemiological study of sleep apnea will be reviewed in "Sleep Disordered Breathing as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: An Epidemiological Perspective from the Sleep Heart Health Study," a workshop held on Tuesday, June 10th and chaired by Stuart Quan, MD.

The diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea will be the focus of courses, workshops, discussion groups and oral presentations too numerous to mention that span the practical (multidisciplinary treatment) to the provocative ("complex sleep apnea").

Log on to www.sleepmeeting.org and download the preliminary program for more information on these courses, discussions and sessions. You can also register for SLEEP 2008 online and learn more about attractions and lodging options in Baltimore.