Written as a starting point — the office's own instructions should replace this.
What to bring
- Your insurance card and a photo ID
- Every inhaler, pill bottle and CPAP mask you use, or a list with doses
- Discs or reports from outside CT scans and X-rays
- Your questions, written down
Checking in
Please arrive about 15 minutes early to complete registration and sign the privacy (HIPAA) paperwork. Our staff will request prior records and imaging from your other doctors so nothing is repeated unnecessarily.
The visit
A medical assistant checks your vital signs and reviews your history. If breathing tests are ordered they usually come first. Then you meet with Dr. Patel, who goes over your history and results, explains what he finds, and works out a plan with you — including what to do if you get worse before the next visit.
Payment
Co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance are due at the time of your visit. We bill your insurance as a courtesy; you remain responsible for knowing your coverage. Please tell us right away if your insurance changes.
Preparing for an overnight sleep study
General guidance — the office will give you specific instructions and your check-in time when your study is scheduled.
The day of
- Avoid caffeine after lunch and don't nap
- Skip alcohol that day unless Dr. Patel tells you otherwise
- Take your usual medicines unless told to hold one
- Shower and arrive with clean, dry hair — no oils, gels or sprays, and no makeup or lotion on your face
What to bring
- Comfortable two-piece sleepwear
- Your evening and morning medicines
- Your own pillow if it helps you sleep
- Your CPAP mask if you already use one
- Anything you need to get ready for work in the morning
Afterward
Sensors come off in the morning and you're free to go. Dr. Patel reads the study and the office calls you with results and next steps — often a follow-up visit to go over treatment.