Diagnostic Medical Testing

09/08/2024

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06/18/2024

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09/15/2022

Mobile Cardiac Telemetry will be offered to all our referral sources 09/26/2022.
Please contact me at mcroxton@dmt-idtf.com to set up a virtual meeting today.

12/31/2020

May the New Year bless you with health, wealth and happiness!

12/21/2020

12/15/2020

6 MINUTE WALK TESTING

What is a 6 Minute Walk Test?

The 6 Minute Walk Test (also known as “exercise testing”) is a 3-part test that evaluates oxygen desaturation while at rest, while exercising, and while exercising on oxygen. The 6MWT can be used for the evaluation of home oxygen needs.

Home Oxygen Qualification Testing

A 6MWT is considered a QUALIFYING oxygen saturation test pursuant to Medicare Oxygen Coverage Criteria.

A. Testing must be performed while the patient is in a chronic stable state:
- As an outpatient, from a qualified testing provider or hospice: within 30 days prior to initial certification; OR
- As an inpatient transitioning home: within two days prior to discharge.

B. The qualifying oxygen saturation test must be performed by a physician, qualified provider or supplier of laboratory services that is registered and able to bill for the test…

C. Requires a series of three tests done during a single testing session:
a. At rest, off oxygen – shows a non-qualifying result (SpO2> 88%)
b. Exercising, off oxygen – shows a qualifying result (SpO2< 88%)
c. Exercising, on oxygen – shows improvement in test results obtained while exercising off oxygen (as in (b) above).

Who Can Perform 6MWT?

Diagnostic Medical Testing, Inc. is an Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility. Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) and Local Coverage Determinations include a requirement that the test be performed by a “provider who is qualified to bill Medicare for the test – i.e., a Part A provider, a laboratory, an Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility (IDTF), or a physician.”

The testing is performed by either a Respiratory Therapist, Registered Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner in the patient’s home.

Benefits of Using Diagnostic Medical Testing to Perform 6MWT

Use Diagnostic Medical Testing to qualify those patients who had a resting oxygen saturation greater than 88% in the physician’s office or hospital for continuous home oxygen therapy. Count on our qualified Clinicians to properly document the often confusing 3-part test to stand up in an insurance audit. Home-bound patients will not have to return for an office visit with their physician for additional testing.

12/11/2020

HOME SLEEP TESTING

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder that is found in both children and adults. Those who exhibit it, experience either complete or partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This makes it hard to breathe and can be very disruptive to a full night’s sleep, in addition to disturbing your bed partner. It’s analogous to breathing through a straw. When you’re awake it is not so difficult as you are aware and you can increase your breathing rate, however at night you do not have this same compensatory mechanism, so it wakes you up. Obstructive sleep apnea most frequently affects older men but can also affect women and children as well.

What are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea can have a series of negative side effects on day-to-day life, often resulting in lower levels of energy and sleepiness during the day. Those who experience obstructive sleep apnea may also exhibit the following symptoms:
• Loud snoring
• Nocturnal restlessness
• Insomnia with frequent awakenings
• Awakening with choking or gasping
• Vivid or threatening dreams
• Daytime sleepiness
• Lack of concentration
• Morning headaches
• Cognitive deficits
• Changes in mood

Who is a Good Candidate for Home Sleep Testing?

HST’s are recommended if it’s highly likely the patient suffers moderate to severe Sleep Apnea and has no other significant medical issues. Facility-based polysomnography testing is recommended for patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease, potential respiratory muscle weakness due to a neuromuscular condition, awake hypoventilation or suspicion of sleep related hypoventilation, chronic opioid use, history of stroke or severe insomnia.

What are the Benefits of Home Sleep Testing?

Comfort

Patients can test in the comfort of their own bed rather than in an unfamiliar setting, thus allowing for a better snapshot of a typical night of sleep. The HST device is ergonomically designed to be small and lightweight so as not to interfere with sleep. Polysomnography testing is performed in a sleep lab while being observed and requires wearing of cumbersome electrodes on the body.

Cost

Home Sleep Testing is only a fraction of the cost of a facility-based polysomnography test. Facility-based polysomnography tests can cost anywhere from $2500-$5000. HST’s cost approximately $199.

Convenience

HST Devices are shipped directly to the patient with easy-to-follow instructions and a return shipping container that can be easily dropped off at USPS or UPS facility when the test is complete. HST’s offer quicker access to results than facility-based studies, with results typically available within 48 hours of DMT receiving the device back from the patient.