ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the financial viability of a sleep laboratory. A good Sleep Center should have state-of-the-art sleep suites designed and decorated for optimum patient comfort. Each suite should have its own flat-panel television, queen-sized bed, and private bathroom. There are three basic business structures for physician-based sleep labs: Hospital-owned, Independent diagnostic and testing facility and Academic/medical college sleep programs. A single trained technician can take care of three sleep labs at a time. Identifying and treating sleep disorders saves health care costs: Numerous studies have shown that once sleep apnea is identified and adequately treated, health costs and health-care utilization decrease. Identifying and treating sleep disorders improves comorbidities: Studies have indicated benefit from identification and treatment of sleep apnea, on cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Addressing sleep apnea also likely improves symptoms associated with psychiatric illness. Hospitals employ a large number of individuals with sleep disorders: Identifying and treating these disorders could improve employee performance and safety.
