Since sleep specialists come from a variety of medical backgrounds, we recommend the following:
FIRST, go to see your Primary Care Physician and tell them the symptoms of Sleep Apnea you are experiencing. They will either take steps to diagnose you themselves or give you a referral to a specialist.
If you decide you do not want to go see your Primary Care Physician or if your Primary Care Physician gives you a referral, these are some examples of other doctors you can go see:
Sleep Specialists – They have undergone special training and testing to make sure they can diagnose all sleep-related disorders.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctors – Also known as otolaryngologists. They specialize in diseases involving the structures inside your head and face.
Neurologists – They focus on ways your brain and nerves contribute to Sleep Apnea.
Pulmonologists – They diagnose and treat conditions that affect the respiratory system.
Dentists – Yup, they really can diagnose you with Sleep Apnea. Some dentists have special training in sleep-related disorders.
Regardless of the doctor you decide to use to address your Sleep Apnea, make sure you check your insurance policy guidelines. Every policy is different and you want to make sure you are covered.
You can check the credentials of specialists at these websites:
American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Sleep Medicine
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