Are Dr.’s over diagnosing sleep apnea to increase the profits of CPAP machine manufacturers?
Oct.08, 2010 Categories: Sleep Apnea Cpap
Question by Queenie: Are Dr.’s over diagnosing sleep apnea to increase the profits of CPAP machine manufacturers?
I am suspect of sleep neurologists who keep pushing an apnea diagnosis as the problem (vs. narcolepsy, for example) even if a sleep study shows differently. It seems each dr. is located next door to CPAP machine rentals. I’m wondering if they are part owners or stock holders drumming up business. Just asking…
I’ve been to 3 drs. All said the same thing after stating the sleep tests only showed mild apnea. Sleep apnea is considered a sleep disorder and neurologists are usually the treating physician.
Best answer:
Answer by the_only_solorose
so get a second opinion from a pulmonologist, I don’t think neurologists have any business with a respiratory problem anyway.
October 8th, 2010 on 8:25 am
What you suspect is probably true, sad but it is a possibility that they are getting a percentage or commission. Things can be rotten sometimes.
October 8th, 2010 on 8:40 am
Well, without being too specific, I have a relative who worked his entire life for a pharmaceutical manufacturer. The funding for research he was doing in the early eighties was mysteriously pulled when they were very close to finding a cure for asthma. Naturally the company was a major manufacturer of asthma medications. Hmmm…..cure = no more profit.
I think there are many companies/people in healthcare that are very suspect. ALWAYS get a second opinion, or maybe ask a holistic professional just to get another viewpoint.
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Edit: In view of your additional comments, it seems three opinions would warrant biting the bullet and trying the CPAP. My ex-husband (snoring was a contributing factor in our divorce) was diagosed after he remarried and loves his CPAP, if that helps.