Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to be evaluated at Texas Sleep Medicine?
How do I schedule an appointment?
What is a sleep study?
How are sleep disorders treated?
Do I have to have an office visit before my sleep study?
What age range of patients do you see?
When are the sleep studies conducted?
What should I bring to my sleep study?
What if I can't fall asleep?
Can I go to the bathroom during my sleep study?
Can I bring my spouse or loved one to accompany me during the sleep study?
Are your services covered by insurance?
How do I know if I need to be evaluated at Texas Sleep Medicine?
Speaking about your symptoms with your Primary Care Physician or Internist should be helpful and they can then refer you to the Sleep Center. Some of the common symptoms people with sleep disorders describe are daytime sleepiness, fatigue, snoring, waking up gasping for air, breathing difficulties while asleep, shortness of breath at night, insomnia, or nighttime leg restlessness. Such symptoms may indicate the need to see a sleep specialist. You can also contact the sleep center for more education.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call the sleep center at 512-to schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Gowda. If it is determined you need a sleep study to make a diagnosis this will be scheduled during the visit.
What is a sleep study?
A sleep study is a procedure where different body signals are recorded during sleep to diagnosis and treat various sleep disorders. These studies are done in a monitored sleep room (similar to a nice hotel room or bedroom) or in your home. The decision to complete the study in a monitored environment or the home is dependent on your physical health, other medication diagnoses, and medications. This decision is made following your initial consultation with Dr. Gowda and/or based on your physician's recommendations.
How are sleep disorders treated?
Depending on the diagnosis the management is different. If you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, Narcolepsy, or Insomnia the details of management will be discussed with you and medications and/or CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) may be prescribed. If you have another condition then the management will be discussed with you in detail.
Do I have to have an office visit before my sleep study?
The initial office visit allows Dr. Gowda to assess your symptoms, complete a physical, and ensure that any other medical conditions that share similar symptoms to sleep disorders are accessed. Some sleep disorders may be treated without requiring a sleep study. This visit insures that we are providing you with the best possible care.
If your referring physician would like you to have in having an in-laboratory or home based study without a consultation this can be arranged. An office visit following the study to discuss the results and recommendations is advisable for the best possible care.
What age range of patients do you see?
We have a lower limit of 10 years old (some exceptions) and no upper limit.
When are the sleep studies conducted?
Sleep studies are conducted throughout the week. Patients for overnight studies arrive at the center at 8 or 9 pm and generally rise by 6am.
What should I bring to my sleep study?
We suggest you pack as if you were visiting a hotel. Because you will be monitored by a technician, we require patients to wear sleepwear during the study. Night gowns, PJs, sweats, shorts and t-shirts are all allowable for sleepwear. You may bring your own pillow.
What if I can't fall asleep?
The rooms and staff will do everything possible to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Occasional individuals will have difficulty falling asleep. At your office appointment prior to the sleep study the use of a sleep medication will be discussed.
Can I go to the bathroom during my sleep study?
Yes you can as often as necessary. The technicians at night are available to assist you if necessary.
Can I bring my spouse or loved one to accompany me during the sleep study?
The presence of another person during your sleep study may interfere with the results, so unfortunately no other people are allowed during testing.
Are your services covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies provide coverage for evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. Once we receive information regarding your insurance carrier, we will verify your coverage and will discuss this with you. You may have co-payments for office visits and/or the sleep study. You can also contact your insurance company for your policy's coverage.