Total Health And Rehab

CPAP Services

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Normally during sleep, the muscles, which control the tongue and soft palate, hold the upper airway open. If the muscles relax, the airway becomes narrower, often causing snoring and sometimes breathing difficulties. If these muscles relax too much, the airway can become completely blocked, preventing breathing. This is Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

After a period of time, which may be anything from 10 seconds to 2 minutes, the brain realises there is a lack of oxygen. It will alert the body to wake up. Though the sufferer is often not aware of it, this can happen several hundred times during the night, severely disrupting sleep.

Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include:

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Loud Snoring
Constant Irritability
Debilitating morning headaches

Some of the long-term consequences of untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may include:

High blood pressure - hypertension cardiac conditions, stokes etc
Memory lapses,
Intellectual deterioration,
Depression, and
Sexual dysfunction

Equipment & Rental Services

Total Health & Rehab is able to offer a wide range of CPAP equipment services. We stock a full range of CPAP equipment including:

ResMed, Fisher & Paykel and Respironics

Wide range of spare parts including:

Filters
Tubing
Headgear
Frame parts & Clips
Mask Cushions and chinstraps

Total Health & Rehab is able to offer:

Education, training and establishment on a (2-8 weeks) trial CPAP machine,
Mask fitting from a range of brands & types
Titration Studies
Setting and re-calibration of CPAP machines
Download of CPAP machine data
Maintenance of CPAP machines

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Scope of Services

Treatment for OSA may be a daunting prospect, but it is essential to treat this debilitating condition successfully once it has been diagnosed and CPAP/VPAP treatment prescribed.

Total Health & Rehab will ensure the appropriate CPAP mask is fitted correctly and provide training in the use of all CPAP equipment. We are able to provide information, support and trouble shooting during the initial phase of commencing treatment. We offer ongoing support and advice as well as data down-loading services for those with automatic CPAP machines.

Total Health & Rehab is dedicated to ensuring the best possible health outcomes for our clients with excellent service, friendly but professional advice and support.

Costs

Currently there is no consult cost during the trial period CPAP, however a fee may be charged for titration, data down load and maintenance.
Equipment costs are not covered by Medicare.
Private Health Funds may cover some rental & purchase costs of CPAP. Check with your Health Fund.
Pension and Health Care Card holders may be entitled to assistance through the Govt TIME Scheme.
DVA Gold Card - full costs covered

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Establishing CPAP for Diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea -

Step 1

Referral from your general practioner for a sleep study - a Polysomnograph (PSG)
This referral can be through either of the following services,
Adelaide Sleep Institute for Sleep Health (for Public patients or private patients)
Ph: (08) 8275 1968 (PSG conducted as a home based study)
Respiratory & Sleep Specialists (QLD) (private patients only) Ph: 1800 155 225 (PSG conducted in DPH and requires a follow up Titration Study)

Step 2

If you are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea the Sleep Specialist may give a referral for a CPAP machine . Total Health and Rehab (TH&R) are suppliers of equipment and can assist with education, training and support. .
Factors such as the severity of your condition, your occupation and the medical advice and availability of rental CPAP machines, influence the time frames of starting a CPAP trial on a hire machine. You may be on a waiting list.
If you do not wish to wait and use a rental machine you have the option of buying a CPAP machine and having access to the same support during the establishment of your treatment.
If you are a Pensioner, Health Card Holder or believe you may be eligible for the NT Govt TIME Scheme for provision of your CPAP machine you will need to register with the TIME Scheme (ph (08) 8922 7403) You are still required to pay for your mask and other cleaning costs.

Step 3

If you have supplied your prescription and details to TH&R, you will be contacted for an initial one hour appointment. A trial of CPAP treatment is commenced using a rental/purchased machine, and follow up weekly review appointments.
At the time of commencing a trial of CPAP you are required to pay in full, the cost of the mask, machine rental and machine cleaning fee.
Please ensure you are able to pay at your first appointment, the start up cost which may range between $350 -$550
A trial period can vary from 2 - 8 weeks maximum.
There is no cost to you for appointments with TH&R during your trial (This could involve a total time of appointments 2-3+ hours)
If you do not attend an appointment and fail to cancel the appointment a non- attendance fee may be charged at $55.

Step 4

When your trial of CPAP treatment has been completed and if you require your own machine, this will need to be purchased.
Cost of CPAP machines vary from $1165 and $2120, depending on brand and type. There are additional costs for humidifiers, chin straps, or other equipment, which will be explained if these are required.
Payment in full is required before you receive your CPAP machine. This can be paid by cheque, money order, credit card (plus additional 2% transaction fee), or Internet EFT.

Step 5

Further assistance can be given after the trial eg reviews, downloading data for compliance purposes, or problem solving, however there is a review charge of $55 billed for a half hour visit.

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