For Our Veterans
Navigating Sleep Apnea Care
Scenario 1: Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and Have a CPAP Machine You’re Not Using
- Contact Your Doctor: Reach out to your VA-contracted primary care provider (PCP) or a VA sleep physician. Inform them that you seek treatment with an oral appliance for your diagnosed sleep apnea.
- Specify TDSS Provider: Mention you’d like to be referred to a Texas Dental Sleep Services (TDSS) provider. Choose the TDSS provider nearest to you.
- Explain CPAP Issues: Explain why you’re not using the CPAP machine, whether it’s due to discomfort, leakage, or other reasons. If you never received a CPAP machine because you knew you wouldn’t use it, inform your doctor about this as well.
- Potential Re-Evaluation: Be prepared to undergo another home sleep test if your physician deems it necessary for treatment authorization.
- Telemedicine Option: TDSS is developing a telemedicine program. This would allow for consultations at home or office, mailing the home sleep test to you, and treatment at a TDSS dental office instead of a VA hospital.
Scenario 2: Suspecting Sleep Apnea but Not Diagnosed
- Reach Out for Evaluation: Contact your VA-contracted PCP or a VA sleep physician if you suspect you have sleep apnea.
- Undergo a Home Sleep Study: You’ll likely need an evaluation and a home sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.
- Oral Appliance Option: If diagnosed with sleep apnea, and you prefer an oral appliance over CPAP, it’s covered under your VA benefits.
- Request Referral and Authorization: Ask your physician to request treatment authorization and refer you to a Community Care representative.
- Choose a TDSS Provider: Request a referral to a VA-contracted TDSS provider near you.
- Benefits of Oral Appliance: Research indicates that for some patients, an oral appliance can be more effective than inconsistent or no use of CPAP.
Note for Areas Without TDSS Providers: If there’s no TDSS provider in your vicinity, contact us at (833-275-3372). We are actively recruiting qualified doctors and will soon have providers available in your area.
