How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Sleep Apnea (Suspected) - Screening

Audience: adult

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. If you or someone close to you suspects sleep apnea, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help start the screening process. During the visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, sleep habits, and overall health. They may also discuss risk factors like weight, age, or other medical conditions. Preparing well for your video visit can make it easier to share important details and get helpful advice. Remember, telemedicine visits are for education and screening, not for a full diagnosis or treatment plan. If your symptoms are severe, you may need in-person care or further testing.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• You experience sudden, severe difficulty breathing or choking during sleep — seek emergency care immediately.
• You have daytime sleepiness so severe that it causes accidents or unsafe situations — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• You notice swelling in your legs, chest pain, or fainting along with sleep problems — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial screening and discussion of symptoms related to suspected sleep apnea.
• Education about sleep apnea risk factors and lifestyle changes.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person testing or specialist care.
• Answering general questions about sleep apnea and its effects.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations like throat or airway inspection.
• Conducting sleep studies or diagnostic tests requiring special equipment.
• Prescribing or managing treatments such as CPAP therapy or surgery.
• Evaluating emergency symptoms or severe breathing problems.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can cause poor sleep quality and daytime tiredness. There are different types, but obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It happens when throat muscles relax and block the airway. Recognizing symptoms early can help you get the right care.

Why Have a Video Visit for Suspected Sleep Apnea?

A video visit lets you talk to a healthcare provider from home. They will ask about your sleep patterns, snoring, daytime sleepiness, and other symptoms. They may also ask about your medical history and lifestyle. This helps decide if you need further tests or treatment. Video visits are a safe, convenient way to start the screening process.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your symptoms like snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep, and daytime tiredness. They may ask about your weight, neck size, and other health issues. Based on this, they might recommend a sleep study or refer you to a sleep specialist. They will explain next steps and answer your questions.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Sleep Apnea

While video visits are helpful for initial screening and education, they cannot replace in-person exams or sleep studies needed for diagnosis. If your provider suspects moderate to severe sleep apnea, they may advise you to have a sleep test done at a clinic or at home with special equipment. Telemedicine cannot provide treatments like CPAP machine setup or surgery.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private place with good lighting and internet connection for your video visit.
• Write down your sleep symptoms, including snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing.
• Note how often and when symptoms occur, and any daytime sleepiness.
• List your current medications, allergies, and medical history.
• If possible, have a family member or bed partner join to share observations about your sleep.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
• Test your device and internet connection before the visit to avoid technical issues.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's advice about any recommended sleep studies or in-person evaluations.
• Keep a sleep diary if suggested, noting sleep quality and symptoms.
• Implement any lifestyle changes discussed, such as weight management or avoiding alcohol before bedtime.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended to review test results or treatment plans.
• Seek immediate care if you develop severe symptoms like choking during sleep or daytime accidents due to sleepiness.

FAQs

What symptoms should I mention during my video visit?

Tell your provider about loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, choking or gasping sounds, daytime tiredness, morning headaches, or difficulty concentrating. Also mention if a bed partner has noticed you stop breathing during sleep.

Can a video visit diagnose sleep apnea?

No, a video visit can help screen for sleep apnea and guide next steps, but diagnosis usually requires a sleep study done in a clinic or at home with special equipment.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse?

If you have severe breathing problems during sleep, fainting, chest pain, or daytime sleepiness causing accidents, seek urgent medical care immediately.

Will my provider recommend treatment during a video visit?

Your provider may discuss lifestyle changes and recommend further testing, but treatments like CPAP machines or surgery usually require in-person visits and specialist care.

How can I improve my sleep before the visit?

Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, avoid alcohol or sedatives before bed, and sleep on your side if possible. These habits can help your provider better understand your symptoms.

Sources

1. Sleep Apnea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sleep Apnea Information — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Sleep Apnea - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Obstructive Sleep Apnea — National Library of Medicine.
5. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem — Institute of Medicine (US).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and screening purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.