Clinical UM Guideline


Subject:Polysomnography Studies in Adults and Children
Guideline #:  CG-MED-01Current Effective Date:  10/21/2009
Status:RevisedLast Review Date:  08/27/2009

Description

Certain sleep related disorders are diagnosed using polysomnography.  Supervised Type I polysomnography (PSG), performed in a sleep lab, hospital, or other dedicated unit and attended by a sleep technologist, includes measurements of oxygen saturation, electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), airflow, and respiratory effort measurements.  PSG's document sleep architecture, including rapid eye movement (REM) related events, and quantify arousals, apneic episodes, oxygen desaturation, cardiac arrhythmias, limb movements, and seizure activity.

Note: This guideline addresses the indications for Type I PSG studies for adults and children.  For information related to Type III home/portable sleep studies, multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT), and other services for the diagnosis of sleep disorders, see MED.00002 Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders.

For information related to other technologies utilized in the treatment and management of sleep-related disorders, please see:

Clinical Indications

Medically Necessary: 

A.  Supervised Type I Polysomnography (PSG) in Adults 

PSG for adults is considered medically necessary in the diagnosis of the following conditions:

PSG for adults is indicated when one or more of the following clinical indications are present:

  1. Witnessed apnea during sleep greater than 10 seconds in duration; OR
  2. Any combination of two or more of the following symptoms of sleep apnea {(a) through (e)}:
    1. Excessive daytime sleepiness as evidenced by inappropriate daytime napping (e.g., during driving, conversation, or eating); sleepiness that interferes with daily activities not explained by other conditions, e.g. poor sleep hygiene, medication, drugs, alcohol, psychiatric or psychological disorders, or an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score greater than 10;  or
    2. Persistent or frequent socially disruptive snoring or choking or gasping episodes associated with awakenings;  or
    3. Obesity (BMI greater than 30 kg/m²); or
    4. Unexplained hypertension; or
    5. Craniofacial or upper airway soft tissue abnormalities;  OR
  3. Symptoms suggesting narcolepsy, e.g., sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, cataplexy; OR
  4. Violent or injurious behavior during sleep; OR
  5. Nocturnal oxygen desaturation with unexplained right heart failure, polycythemia, cardiac arrhythmias during sleep or pulmonary hypertension.; OR
  6. Excessive daytime sleepiness together with witnessed periodic limb movements of sleep; OR
  7. Unusual or atypical parasomnias based on patient's age, frequency, or duration of behavior; OR
  8. Patients with moderate or severe congestive heart failure, stroke/TIA, coronary artery disease, or significant tachycardic or bradycardic arrythymias who have nocturnal symptoms suggestive of a sleep related breathing disorder or otherwise suspected of having sleep apnea.

Repeat PSG for adults is considered medically necessary under the following circumstances:

Not Medically Necessary:

Two Separate Night Studies

A separate complete PSG to titrate CPAP is considered not medically necessary when the AHI or RDI is less than 20 or sufficient time was not available for a single night study.

Repeat Standard Polysomnography

Repeat polysomnography is considered not medically necessary in the follow-up of patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with CPAP when symptoms attributable to sleep apnea have resolved. 

Standard Polysomnography for adults is considered not medically necessary for the following symptoms or conditions existing alone in the absence of other features suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea:

B.  Polysomnography in Children (Age < 18)

Medically Necessary:

Standard Polysomnography for children is considered medically necessary for the diagnosis of sleep disorders when one or more of the following indications are present:

  1. Habitual snoring associated with one or more of the following:
    • Restless or disturbed sleep; or
    • Behavioral disturbance, or learning disorders including deterioration in academic performance, hyperactivity, or attention deficit disorder; or
    • Enuresis; or
    • Frequent awakenings; or
    • Failure to thrive or growth impairment. OR
  2. Witnessed apnea greater than 2 respiratory cycle times (inspiration and expiration); OR
  3. Excessive daytime somnolence, or altered mental status unexplained by other conditions or etiologies; OR
  4. Polycythemia unexplained by other conditions or etiologies; OR
  5. Cor pulmonale unexplained by other conditions or etiologies; OR
  6. Increased respiratory efforts, labored breathing, or sternal or intercostal retractions during sleep; OR
  7. Hypertrophy of tonsils and adenoids associated with noisy daytime respirations where surgical removal poses a significant risk and would be avoided in the absence of sleep disordered breathing.

Repeat standard polysomnography for children  is considered medically necessary in the following circumstances:

Not Medically Necessary:

Repeat Standard Polysomnography

Repeat polysomnography is considered not medically necessary in the follow-up of patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with CPAP when symptoms attributable to sleep apnea have resolved. 

Standard Polysomnography for children is considered not medically necessary for the following:

Coding

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this document are included below for informational purposes.  Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy.  Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

CPT 
95808Polysomnography; sleep staging with 1-3 additional parameters of sleep, attended by a technologist
95810Polysomnography; sleep staging with 4 or more additional parameters of sleep, attended by a technologist
95811Polysomnography; sleep staging with 4 or more additional parameters of sleep, with initiation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy or bilevel ventilation, attended by a technologist
  
ICD-9 Procedure 
89.17Polysomnogram
  
ICD-9 Diagnosis 
 Including but not limited to, the following:
307.40-307.49Specific disorders of sleep of non-organic origin
327.00-327.8Organic sleep disorders
333.94Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
347.00-347.11Cataplexy and narcolepsy
780.50-780.59Sleep disturbances
786.09Other dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities

 

Discussion/General Information

A.     Polysomnography in Adults

Based upon the available, peer-reviewed literature, in-laboratory attended polysomnography (PSG) is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of sleep-related disorders, including, but not limited to, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, nocturnal myoclonia and for titration of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).  Multiple randomized clinical trials have established that a standard PSG should include the measurement of O2 saturation, electrocardiography (EKG, ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), airflow, and respiratory effort measurements.  Exclusion of any of these measurements may lead to missing vital data needed to diagnose sleep disorders.

The medical literature contains numerous models that have been proposed in an attempt to identify the factors that could predict reliably the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (confirmed by polysomnography) in adults.  These range from morphometric data, constellations of symptoms, and combinations of symptoms and physical findings, including such factors as obesity, neck circumference, snoring, hypertension, upper airway narrowing, etc.  The American Academy of Sleep Medicine states that adult patients with habitual snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, a BMI greater than 35 and observed apneas are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea with at least a 75% likelihood of having an AHI (or RDI) equal to or greater than 10.  Netzer, et al. in a 1999 article in the Annals of Internal Medicine used the "Berlin Questionnaire" with three groups of questions: one regarding snoring, the second regarding daytime sleepiness, and the third regarding the presence of hypertension or obesity.  They found that positive responses in two out of the three categories had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 77%, and a positive predictive value of 89%.

The prevalence of significant obstructive sleep apnea in adults, as defined by an AHI (or RDI) of at least 5 associated with excessive daytime somnolence, has been demonstrated to be 4% in males and 2% in females in the 30 – 60 year old age group.  However, the presence of snoring, hypertension or obesity in isolation does not carry sufficient predictive value to warrant polysomnography in all individuals with these single complaints or conditions.  (Snoring alone is said to occur in up to 40% of the population, and this increases over the age of 50 years.)  The benefits of performing polysomnography in these large populations of individuals without other associated findings suggestive of sleep apnea are unproven.

In 2009, a Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation, Management and Long-term Care of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults was prepared by the Adult OSA Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) (Epstein, 2009).  According to the AASM, "This task force was assembled to produce a clinical guideline from a review of existing practice parameters and available literature. All existing evidence-based AASM practice parameters relevant to the evaluation and management of OSA in adults were incorporated into this guideline. For areas not covered by the practice parameters, the task force performed a literature review and made consensus recommendations using a modified nominal group technique."  This document provides specific information regarding in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG), which aligns with the medical necessity criteria contained in this document.  The following is excerpted from the AASM document specific to polysomnography (PSG) and split-night testing:

Full-night PSG is recommended for the diagnosis of a sleep related breathing disorder but a split-night study (initial diagnostic PSG followed by continuous positive airway pressure titration on the same night) is an alternative to one full night of diagnostic PSG. The split-night study may be performed if an AHI ≥ 40/hr is documented during 2 hours of a diagnostic study but may be considered for an AHI of 20-40/hr based on clinical judgment. In patients where there is a strong suspicion of OSA, if other causes for symptoms have been excluded, a second diagnostic overnight PSG may be necessary to diagnose the disorder. The diagnosis of OSA is confirmed if the number of obstructive events (apneas, hypopneas + respiratory event related arousals) on PSG is greater than 15 events/hr or greater than 5/hour in a patient who reports associated symptoms… (AASM, 2009)

In 2008, the AASM published another guidance document entitled, Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults (Schutte-Rodin, 2008) in which the following comments were made:

Polysomnography and daytime multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT) are not indicated in the routine evaluation of chronic insomnia, including insomnia due to psychiatric or neuropsychiatric disorders.

Polysomnography is indicated when there is reasonable clinical suspicion of breathing (sleep apnea) or movement disorders, when initial diagnosis is uncertain, treatment fails (behavioral or pharmacologic), or precipitous arousals occur with violent or injurious behavior. (AASM, 2008)

The above document updates the former AASM guidance (Kushida, 2005) which had determined that polysomnography is not indicated for the routine evaluation of transient insomnia, chronic insomnia, or insomnia associated with psychiatric disorders (AASM, 2005).

In a "split-night" study, the patient begins a standard PSG.  If, after the first two or three hours, enough data is gathered for a positive diagnosis of OSA, the patient is then asked to wear a CPAP nasal mask for the second part of the study to determine the most appropriate pressure setting (Peff) to relieve the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

B.     Polysomnography in Children

Suspicion of the presence of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome will be the case in the majority of children referred for polysomnography.  Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children is a disorder of breathing during sleep, characterized by prolonged partial upper airway obstruction and/or intermittent and complete obstruction, which may be accompanied by hypoxia, hypercapnia and disturbed sleep.  It occurs in approximately 2% of children at a peak of 2 to 6 years of age (habitual snoring occurs in 3% to 12% of preschool age children).  Most children with obstructive sleep apnea will have habitual snoring, and this may be accompanied by labored breathing or restlessness during sleep.  Daytime manifestations of sleep disordered breathing in children are more subtle, and may be more diverse than in adults.  Symptoms may include behavioral problems and neuro-cognitive dysfunction with a nearly three-fold increase in children with sleep-disordered breathing.  Although the precise relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown, it appears that sleep-disordered breathing may exacerbate ADHD, and that some children with hyperactivity caused by sleep-disordered breathing may be misdiagnosed as having ADHD.  The possible relationship is strengthened by the observation that children with ADHD have high rates of sleep complaints and disturbances.  It is recommended that children who snore and carry a diagnosis of ADHD should be evaluated for the possibility that sleep-disordered breathing is causing or exacerbating the behavioral symptoms.  While excessive daytime sleepiness may be present in approximately 20% of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, this symptom occurs less frequently than in adults.

Although obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children is commonly related to the presence of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, other factors related to dynamic airway collapse appear to be involved.  In otherwise normal children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, it is felt that adenotonsillar hypertrophy causes airway narrowing that, when superimposed on subtle abnormalities of upper airway motor control or tone, leads to clinically significant dynamic airway obstruction during sleep. However, the adenotonsillar size or volume, in and of itself, has not been shown to have a simple relationship with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in children.  Routine polysomnography in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, in the absence of other suggestive signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, is not recommended.  By the same token, routine polysomnography post-adenotonsillectomy, in a child with pre-existing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea whose symptoms have resolved post-operatively, is not recommended. However, follow-up polysomnography is recommended post-operatively in the case of a child with pre-existing severe obstructive sleep apnea (RDI or AHI greater than 19).

Other factors that may place the child at risk for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing include: neuromuscular disease associated with either hypotonia or hypertonia; genetic syndromes associated with craniofacial abnormalities, such as midface hypoplasia, micrognathia or small nasopharynx; narrow high arched hard palate, long soft palate, or shallow pharyngeal area; prematurity or African-American ethnicity (in certain age groups).

The diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing in children is most definitively established by performing overnight polysomnography in a sleep lab setting.  However, what constitutes normal or abnormal respiratory events during sleep, and the clinical significance and/or implications of these, are not as well established or defined as in the adult population.  The natural history of childhood obstructive sleep apnea is not well understood, and the mortality rate in childhood obstructive sleep apnea is unknown.  It should also be noted that normative polysomnography data in children differs from that in adults.  The 2002 Clinical Practice Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics state the following:  "Although we know which polysomnographic parameters are statistically abnormal, studies have not definitively evaluated which polysomnographic criteria predict morbidity."  Nevertheless, most children in whom a diagnosis is made will undergo adenotonsillectomy which will be corrective in 75% - 100% of cases. Another 2008 AASM guidance document entitled, Clinical Guidelines for the Manual Titration of Positive Airway Pressure in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Kushida, 2008) applies to both adults and children, "The scope of these PAP titration recommendations is restricted to adult (≥12 years) and pediatric (<12 years) patients with obstructive sleep apnea; these recommendations do not apply to patients with conditions such as neuromuscular disease or intrinsic lung disease."  (AASM, 2008)

C.     Description of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are some of the most common medical problems in the United States and have a significant impact on quality of life, productivity, and health.  There are many different types of sleep-related disorders including sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, insomnia, narcolepsy, nocturnal movement disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), unexplained excessive daytime sleepiness, and arousal disorders (parasomnias). Most, if not all, of these sleep-related disorders are treatable if diagnosed properly.

Sleep disorder studies, including polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing, are used to determine or confirm a diagnosis related to sleep disturbances.  These tests monitor various bodily functions, including heart and respiratory rate, body position and movement, to gain an understanding of the conditions under which sleep disturbances occur.  Obstructive sleep apnea is the primary focus of this document, although other sleep-related disorders are also addressed.  Another type of sleep disturbance is simply known as "apnea" or "central apnea."  This condition, caused by problems in the central nervous system, is unrelated to obstructive sleep apnea and is not addressed in this Clinical UM Guideline (with the exception of the pediatric indication for central apnea or congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome).

D.     Description of Sleep Studies

Standard polysomnogram (PSG) sleep studies (also known as a Type I study) are routinely performed at sleep study centers, either at a hospital or at stand-alone facilities.  During the test, a number of sensors are applied to the patient to monitor his or her breathing, heart rate, and other measurements.  The patient is then allowed to sleep overnight.  Throughout the test, technicians record and monitor the readings received from the sensors.  Technicians may need to re-attach loosened sensors if any should need adjustment.  One of the criteria for sleep studies is abnormal daytime sleepiness.  This is usually measured using a widely used tool called the Epworth Sleepiness scale (see below).  A score of greater than or equal to 21 is considered excessive daytime sleepiness, but in clinical practice a score of greater than 10 is considered abnormal and requiring medical attention.  This document does not address Type III home/portable sleep studies (see MED.00002 Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders).

E.     The Epworth Sleepiness Scale:

The following scale is used to rate answers to the questions below:

0 = No chance of dozing, 1 = Slight chance of dozing, 2 = Moderate chance of dozing, 3 = High chance of dozing

_____ Sitting and reading;
_____ Watching TV;
_____ Sitting inactive in a public place (theater or a meeting);
_____ As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break;
_____ Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit;
_____ Sitting and talking to someone;
_____ Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol;
_____ In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic;
_____ Total Score.

The following scale is used to interpret the Total Score Level of Daytime Sleepiness:

0 - 8   Normal sleep function;
8 - 10   Mild daytime sleepiness;11- 15 Moderate daytime sleepiness;
16- 20 Severe daytime sleepiness;
21- 24 Excessive daytime sleepiness.

References

A. Polysomnography (Adults):

Peer Reviewed Publications:

  1. Chesson AL Jr, Ferber RA, Fry JM, et al. The indications for polysomnography and related procedures. Sleep. 1997; 20(6):423-487.
  2. Flemons WW. Obstructive sleep apnea, New England Journal of Medicine. 2002; 347(7):498-504.
  3. Guilleminault C, Abad VC. Obstructive sleep apnea syndromes. Med Clin North Am. 2004; 88(3):611-630.
  4. Kushida CA. A predictive morphometric model for the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.  Ann Int Med. 1997; 127(8)Pt1:581-587.
  5. Netzer NC, Stoohs RA, Netzer CM, Clark K, Strohl KP. Using the Berlin Questionnaire to identify patients at risk for the sleep apnea syndrome. Ann Intern Med. 1999; 131(7):485-491.
  6. Rodway GW, Sanders MH.The efficacy of split-night sleep studies. Sleep Med Rev. 2003; 7(5):391-401. 
  7. Yamashiro, Y., et al. CPAP titration for sleep apnea using a split night protocol.  Chest. 1995, 107(1):62-66. 

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

  1. Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research (AHCPR). Systematic review of the literature regarding the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 1. AHCPR Publication No. 99-E002. Bethesda, MD: AHCPR; December 1998.   Available at:  http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/apneasum.htm.  Accessed on August 14, 2009.
  2. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. National Coverage Determination for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). NCD #240.4. Effective April 4, 2005. Available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov. . Accessed on August 14, 2009.
  3. Chesson AL Jr, Berry RB, Pack A; American Academy of Sleep Medicine; American Thoracic Society; American College of Chest Physicians. Practice parameters for the use of portable monitoring devices in the investigation of suspected obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Sleep. 2003; 26(7):907-913.
  4. Epstein LJ, Kristo D, Strollo PJ, et al. Clinical guideline for the evaluation, management and long-term care of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. J Clin Sleep Med. 2009; 5(3):263-276.  Available at:  http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/ClinicalGuidelines/OSA_Adults.pdf.  Accessed on August 10, 2009.
  5. Flemons WW, Littner MR, Rowley JA, Gay P, Anderson WM, Hudgel DW, McEvoy RD, Loube DI.  Home diagnosis of sleep apnea: a systematic review of the literature. An evidence review cosponsored by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American Thoracic Society. Chest. 2003; 124(4):1543-1579.
  6. Hailey D, Tran K, Dales R, et al. A review of guidelines for referral of patients to sleep laboratories. Technology Report. Issue 55. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA); 2005. Available at: http://www.cadth.ca/index.php/en/publication/519.  Accessed on August 14, 2009.
  7. Hayes Inc. Hayes Medical Technology Directory. Sleep Apnea Diagnosis, Adult. Lansdale, PA: Hayes, Inc; July 15, 1999.  Search updated February 11, 2004. Archived 2006.
  8. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI). Sleep Apnea, Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Health Care Guideline. Bloomington, MN: ISCI; released April, 2007.  Available at: http://www.icsi.org/guidelines_and_more/guidelines__order_sets___protocols/respiratory/sleep_apnea/sleep_apnea__diagnosis_and_treatment_of_obstructive_3.html.  Accessed on August 14, 2009.
  9. Kushida CA, Littner MR, Morgenthaler T, et al.  Practice Parameters for the Indications for Polysomnography and Related Procedures:  An update for 2005.  American Academy of Sleep Medicine.  Sleep. 2005; 28(4):499-521.  Available at:  http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/PracticeParameters/PP_Polysomnography.pdf  Accessed on August 14, 2009.
  10. Kushida CA, Chediak A, Berry RB, et al. Positive Airway Pressure Titration Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Clinical guidelines for the manual titration of positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2008; 4(2):157-171. http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/ClinicalGuidelines/040210.pdfAccessed on August 10, 2009.
  11. Littner M, et al. Practice parameters for Using Polysomnography to Evaluate Insomnia: An Update. Sleep. 2003 26(6):754-760.
  12. Schutte-Rodin S, Broch L, Buysse D, et al. Clinical guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic insomnia in adults. J Clin Sleep Med. 2008; 4(5):487-504.  Available at:  http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/ClinicalGuidelines/040515.pdf.  Accessed on August 10, 2009.
  13. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Sleep apnea: Is your patient at risk? NIH Pub. No. 95-3803. Bethesda, MD: NIH; September 1995. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/sleep/slpaprsk.pdf.  Accessed on August 14, 2009.

B.     Polysomnography (Children): 

Peer Reviewed Publications:

  1. Bass JL, Corwin M, Gozal D, et al.  The effect of chronic or intermittent hypoxia on cognition in childhood:  a review of the evidence.  Pediatrics. 2004; 114:805-816.
  2. Carroll JL. Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing in children: new controversies, new directions. Clin Chest Med. 2003; 24(2):261-282.
  3. D'Andrea LA. Diagnostic studies in the assessment of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: techniques and indications. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004; 51(1):169-186.
  4. Kotagal S. Sleep disorders in childhood. Neurol Clin. 2003; 21(4):961-981.
  5. Marcus CI, et al. Respiratory sleep studies in children. Establishment of normative data and polysomnographic predictors of morbidity. Am J Resp Crit Care Med. 1999, 160:1381-1387. 
  6. Melendres CS, Lutz JM, Rubin ED, Marcus CL.  Daytime sleepiness and hyperactivity in children with suspected sleep-disordered breathing.  Pediatrics. 2004; 114:768-775.
  7. O'Brien LM, Holbrook CR, Mervis CB, et al.  Sleep and neurobehavioral characteristics of 5- to 7-year old children with parentally reported symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.  Pediatrics. 2003; 111:554-563.
  8. Owens J, Opipari L, Nobile C, Spirito A.  Sleep and daytime behavior in children with obstructive sleep apnea and behavioral sleep disorders.  Pediatrics. 1998; 102:1178-1184.
  9. Ray RM, Bower CM.  Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea:  the year in review.  Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005; 13:360-365.
  10. Rosen CL. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children: controversies in diagnosis and treatment. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004; 51(1):153-167.
  11. Sterni LM, Tunkel DE.  Obstructive sleep apnea in children: an update. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2003; 50(2):427-443. 

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

  1. American Thoracic Society.  Standards and indications for cardiopulmonary sleep studies in children.  Am J Respir Crit Care Med.  1996; 153:866-878.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Clinical practice guideline: Diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Pediatrics. 2002; 109(4):704-712. Available at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/109/4/704.  Accessed on August 10, 2009.
  3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. National Coverage Determination: Sleep Testing for Obstructive  Sleep Apnea. NCD #240.4.1. Effective March 3, 2009. Available at:  http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewncd.asp?ncd_id=240.4.1&ncd_version=1&basket=ncd%3A240%2E4%2E1%3A1%3ASleep+Testing+for+Obstructive+Sleep+Apnea+%28OSA%29. Accessed on August 10, 2009.
  4. Hayes Inc. Hayes Medical Technology Directory. Sleep Apnea Diagnosis, Pediatric. Lansdale, PA: Hayes, Inc; April 21, 2000.  Search updated August 16, 2004. Archived 2007.
  5. Marcus CL, et al. Section on Pediatric Pulmonology, Subcommittee on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical practice guideline: diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Pediatrics. 2002; 109(4):704-712.
  6. Schecthter M.  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  Technical Reeport:  Diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.  Pediatrics. 2002; 109(4):1-41.
  7. Schechter MS; Section on Pediatric Pulmonology, Subcommittee on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.  Technical report: diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Pediatrics. 2002; 109(4):e69.
Index

Polysomnography
Sleep Studies
Sleep Testing

Document History
StatusDateAction
Revised08/27/2009Medical Policy & Technology Assessment Committee (MPTAC) review.  The language of the criteria for adult and pediatric testing has been reformatted and clarified. The Discussion section and References were updated.
Reviewed08/28/2008MPTAC review.  No change to criteria.  References were updated.
Reviewed08/23/2007MPTAC review.  No change to criteria.  References and coding sections were updated.
Revised09/14/2006MPTAC review. Guideline criteria were clarified to include respiratory disturbance index (RDI) as equivalent to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) within each guideline category.  The guideline title was also changed from the former title, Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies in Adults and Children to Polysomnography Studies in Adults and Children, since only polysomnography is addressed within this guideline.
Reviewed03/23/2006MPTAC review.  Updated references and coding.
 11/17/2005Added reference for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – National Coverage Determination (NCD).
Revised04/28/2005MPTAC review.  Revision based on Pre-merger Anthem and Pre-merger WellPoint Harmonization.
Pre-Merger Organizations:

Last Review Date

Document Number

Title

Anthem, Inc.

11/07/2000

MED.00002Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
WellPoint Health Networks, Inc.

06/1984

2.03.10Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies in Adults
WellPoint Health Networks, Inc.

09/23/2004

2.03.18Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies in Children