Comprehensive Lung Function Test (with body plethysmography) ⬎

The most comprehensive and accurate assessment of lung volumes and lung function. The test involves a series of different breathing tests that assist in the diagnoses and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and other conditions that affect breathing.

Additional Information:

This test may require you to cease certain medications leading up to your test - please discuss with your respiratory physician/referring doctor and if you have any questions please contact our rooms.

Duration of test:

• 45 minute appointment

Cost:

Note: Concession/Pensioner rates available

Out of pocket cost: $130

Total cost: $264.30

Medicare rebate: $134.30

Spirometry ⬎

A quick lung function test measuring the volume and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. The information gathered is used to assist in the diagnoses and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and other conditions that affect breathing.

Additional Information:

This test may require you to cease certain medications leading up to your test - please discuss with your respiratory physician/referring doctor and if you have any questions please contact our rooms.

Duration of test:

• 30 minute appointment

Cost:

Note: Concession/Pensioner rates available

Out of pocket cost: $55

Total cost: $114.85

Medicare rebate: $59.85

Spirometry with FeNO ⬎

Spirometry is a breathing test measuring the volume and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. The information gathered is used to assist in the diagnoses and management of asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and other conditions that affect breathing. The additional FENO assessment also helps in the management of asthma.

Additional Information:

This test may require you to cease certain medications leading up to your test - please discuss with your respiratory physician/referring doctor and if you have any questions please contact our rooms.

Duration of test:

• 30 minute appointment

Cost:

Note: Concession/Pensioner rates available

Out of pocket cost: $65

Total cost: $162.05

Medicare rebate: $97.05

Nasal Resistance (Rhinomanometry) ⬎

Rhinomanometry (nasal resistance) measures any resistance in the nose and sinuses that may be contributing to snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea. It can also be useful to assist in determining the suitability of different mask interfaces for patients using or commencing CPAP therapy. The test involves breathing through nasal cones for a short period of time.

Duration of test:

• 15 minute appointment

Cost: $30

Mannitol Challenge (Asthma Test) ⬎

The mannitol challenge assessment is used to help diagnose asthma. The test involves performing several spirometry maneuvers (a breathing test that involves measuring the volume and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled) after being administered varying amounts of mannitol.

Additional Information:

Many medications used to treat asthma or allergies can interfere with this test. Please discuss with your respiratory physician or GP leading up to your test and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our rooms.

A positive test may induce chest tightness, cough or wheezing. Should you become symptomatic following your test, you will be required to wait in the waiting room under supervision until symptoms subside. We advise organising alternative transport to and from your test.

Duration of test:

• 60 minute appointment

Cost:

Note: Concession/Pensioner rates available

Out of pocket cost: $166

Total cost: $300.30

Medicare rebate: $134.30

6-Minute Walk Test (Oxygen Therapy Assessment) ⬎

You will be required to walk for 6-minutes down a corridor while having your oxygen levels assessed. Should your oxygen levels fall below certain levels, supplemental oxygen will be administered and the test repeated on oxygen. This test can be useful to determine the need for home oxygen interventions.

Duration of test:

• 45 minute appointment

Cost:

Out of pocket cost: $60

Total cost: $194.30

Medicare rebate: $134.30

Laboratory-Based PSG Sleep Study ⬎

A comprehensive sleep study performed in a hospital or laboratory is the gold standard test for a range of sleep disorders. A technician is in attendance for the duration of the study to ensure signal reliability, and video monitoring is also available to capture any movement-related disorders.

An attended laboratory-based sleep study should be used in preference to a home sleep study if the patient presents with any of the following clinical indications:

• Parasomnias
• Nocturnal seizures
• Hypoventilation including obesity hypoventilation syndrome
• Narcolepsy
• Significant co-morbidities

A comprehensive laboratory sleep study typically requires a hospital admission and will usually require private health insurance to ensure adequate coverage. Depending on your health fund policy, an out-of-pocket fee may apply.

Home-Based PSG Sleep Study ⬎

A comprehensive sleep study performed in the comfort of your own home. This study captures all the same physiological parameters as an attended, laboratory-based sleep study and can be used to diagnose a range of sleep disorders. A home sleep study is often the most affordable and convenient way to have your test, and being in your own natural environment, often the most reflective of your normal night's sleep. Please contact us, or speak to your sleep and respiratory physician to determine if a home sleep study is the right test for you.

Duration of test:

• 1 hour appointment to apply the equipment (typically booked late in the afternoon between 3pm and 5pm
• 15 minute appointment to return the equipment (typically booked early in the morning between 8am and 9am)

Requirements:

To qualify for the Medicare rebate, you require a referral from your GP. To have this test without first requiring a consultation with a sleep and respiratory physician, you will additionally need to meet specific criteria upon completion of two basic questionnaires. These questionnaires are on our referral form and can be completed with your GP, or with a Somnocare representative after you have acquired your referral. Should you not meet these requirements, we can arrange a consultation with one of our partnering sleep physicians prior to your sleep study.

Cost:

Out of pocket cost: $155

Total cost: $479.70

Medicare rebate: $324.70

Additional information:

Given this test is unsupervised, there is a risk that some sensors may detach during the course of the night, reducing the accuracy of the test. This test is typically used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea in patients that have a moderate to high pre-test probability for the condition. To find out your likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnoea, you can take our quick OSA Risk Assessment test by clicking here.

The downloadable patient information printout below instructs you on how to prepare for your home sleep study.

HOME SLEEP STUDY PATIENT PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

The downloadable setup instructions printout below instructs you on what you need to do the night of your home sleep study.

HOME SLEEP STUDY PATIENT SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Home Based Sleep Apnoea Screener ⬎

A simple, easy to setup study specifically investigating sleep disordered breathing including obstructive sleep apnoea. Unlike the Home Based PSG study, this test doesn't include EEG monitoring (to determine your sleep patterns) nor does it investigate your ECG (heart rhythm) or leg activity. The test is specifically indicated in patients looking to investigate obstructive sleep apnoea, who have a high pre-test probability of the condition. To find out your likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnoea, you can take our quick OSA Risk Assessment test by clicking here.

Duration of test:

• 15 minutes appointment to collect the equipment and have our sleep scientist instruct you on how to set it up (typically booked in the afternoon, but we can accommodate other times).
• 15 minute return appointment to return the equipment (typically booked early in the morning between 8am and 9am).

Note: In situations where an on-site visit is not possible, we can arrange to deliver the device with instructions. An additional $30 delivery cost applies.

Cost:

Out of pocket cost: $110

Total cost: $110

Medicare rebate: $0

Additional information:

There is no Medicare rebate for this test, and as such a referral isn't required to proceed with the test. We strongly encourage you to speak to one of our staff members first to make sure this is the right test for you and if not, to speak to your GP or a sleep physician first to ensure you are directed to the right test for your potential sleeping condition/concerns.

Actigraphy ⬎

Actigraphy is used to gain a snapshot of a longer term sleep profile, unlike an overnight sleep study that only captures information from one night. The actigraphy device is worn around the wrist and uses sensitive movement sensors to give an indication of sleep patterns over a period of several nights. Actigraphy is typically used to assist with the diagnosis and management of circadian rhythm disorders and, to a lesser extent, insomnia. Our actigraphy assessments typically run for 14 days, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Duration of test:

• 30 minute initial appointment
• 30 minute return appointment ~14 days later

Cost:

Out of pocket cost: $125

Total cost: $125

Medicare rebate: $0

Additional information:

The return appointment may be done in conjunction with your sleep and respiratory physician depending on your model of care. If the sleep and respiratory physician takes part in the appointment, their involvement will be bulk billed and you will incur no additional out of pocket expense (this excludes separate consults you have made directly with your sleep and respiratory physician).

Light Therapy Trials ⬎

Light therapy (typically blue or green light) is used to supress melatonin (a hormone that signals the body to prepare for sleep). Taken at appropriate times, light therapy can be used as an aid to resynchronise the body's internal clock. This can improve energy levels and boost mood, and is typically used in people with circadian rhythm disorders (sleep phase delayed or phase advanced). The timing to administer the light will be dependent on the type of underling disorder. It can also be used as an aid for people who frequently travel across time zones, or who do shift work. Incorrectly administering light therapy can have adverse effects, and Somnocare only conducts light therapy trials under physician supervision and prescription.

Duration of test:

• 15 minute initial appointment
• 15 minute return appointment ~14-21 days later

Cost:

Out of pocket cost: $125

Total cost: $125

Medicare rebate: $0

Cost includes: Initial and return appointment and rental of the light device for 2-3 weeks.

Additional information:

Light therapy should be used under sleep physician guidance/prescription and ongoing supervision only. If you purhcase light therapy glasses following a trial, you will receive $50 off the purchase price.

CPAP Trials ⬎

CPAP still remains the gold standard treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). The experienced staff at Somnocare have expertise across standard CPAP therapy, as well as more complex modes including Bi-Level (Bi-PAP) and Adaptive Servo Controlled Ventilation (ASV).

Duration of trial:

Four-week trial that includes:

• 60-minute initial appointment
• 15-30-minute review appointment after one week
• Optional 15-30-minute review appointment after two weeks
• 15-30-minute review appointment after three weeks
• 45-minute end of trial appointment after four weeks

Cost:

Out of pocket cost: $370

Total cost: $370

Medicare rebate: $0

Cost includes: Demo machine and mask rental during the trial, all appointments and unlimited phone support. $75 discount from any CPAP machine purchase at the conclusion of the trial

Additional information:

Following a successful CPAP trial, you will have the option of getting your own CPAP equipment for long term use, and we can continue to support you with your ongoing care.

Positional Therapy Trials ⬎

In some patients, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea may only be clinically significant while they are sleeping on their back (supine). There are many products/methods to help patients avoid supine sleep and you are encouraged to discuss these options with your sleep physician before deciding what is best for you.

Somnocare offers positional therapy trials using a device called 'Nightshift.' When the patient rolls onto their back, the device sends gentle vibrations to the patient through the neck that subtly and subconsciously promote a position change, whereby the vibrations cease. The device tracks your usage and sleeping position, allowing us to objectively monitor its success.

For more information about Nightshift positional therapy click here

Duration of trial:

14 day trial that includes:

• 15 minute set up appointment
• 30 minutes return appointment after 14 days

Cost:

Out of pocket cost: $150

Total cost: $150

Medicare rebate: $0

Cost includes: Rental of the nightshift positional therapy device, all associated appointments and any additional phone support.

Additional information:

Following a successful trial, you will be given the option to purchase your own Nightshift device for long term use and receive $50 off the device. It is recommended that you are reviewed after 6 months, then annually thereafter. The return appointment may be done in conjunction with, or at the request of your sleep and respiratory physician depending on your model of care.

Therapy Review Appointments ⬎

At Somnocare, we are dedicated to your long term care and support. We typically follow up with patients after six months, and annually thereafter to ensure good compliance, verify the ongoing efficacy of the device in controlling your sleep disordered breathing, and to maintain your equipment. You are also welcome to arrange additional appointments if you require additional support, or to trial new masks or new equipment. These review appointments may be done at the request of, or in conjunction with your sleep physician depending on your model of care.

Cost:

$60 for a 30 minute appointment

In-Store Products ⬎

Somnocare offers a range sleep therapy equipment. These are typically available by appointment only, depending on then nature of the purchase. Please contact our rooms prior to your visit to make sure we can accommodate you.

Unless you partake in a trial, or require a download and clinical assessment of your therapy there will be no charge for this appointment, other than the cost of any equipment purchased. See therapy review appointments above for additional information around costs.

Some of the equipment available for purchase are:

• CPAP and Bi-Level Machines
• CPAP Masks and Accessories
• Nightshift Positional Therapy Devices
• Light Therapy Glasses
• Bongo and Optipillow Nasal EPAP Devices

CPAP Mask Trials ⬎

Finding the right mask can be tricky. With so many to choose from it can be daunting to buy one of the shelf and have no idea if the mask is going to be right for you.

Somnocare offers mask trials to take the guessing out the equation.