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Sleep centers and ethics

Posted by Poodle on March 31, 2006 at 10:48:56:

I've recently been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea, and at the same sleep center where I took the test and was diagnosed, they have now supplied me with CPAP equipment (after 3 days, not going well at all, but that's another post).

The respiratory therapist rushed through a checklist after showing me how to use the CPAP, and had me sign it as well as the durable equipment order form. Not until I got home did I see the fine print at the bottom that said I would be responsible to pay whatever my insurance will not cover. After a simple search online, I see that I can purchase the same unit and humidifier for $665 instead of the $1725 the center is charging. (I’m renting the CPAP for $125/mo but it appears that my insurance company and I have purchased the humidifier.) Every other piece of equipment (filter, tubing, etc.) is easily twice the price of what I see on the internet. There seems to be a conflict of interest here. Since my diagnosis is on the mild end of moderate, I’m almost wondering how easy it would be to push the data in the direction that would merit a CPAP recommendation – and tons of $$ for them. I’m really bothered by all this, and yes, have lost sleep over it.

So my question is, is it the norm that sleep doctors both diagnose and sell equipment? Has anyone had similar thoughts as to the ethics of this?

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