Name of the Procedure:

Common Name(s): Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) or Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) Measurement
Technical Term: HCPCS Code: G8842

Summary

The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) or Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) measurement involves monitoring a patient's breathing patterns to diagnose sleep apnea or other related respiratory disturbances during sleep. It is usually conducted as part of a sleep study (polysomnography).

Purpose

The procedure aims to detect sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. It assesses how often breathing stops (apnea) or becomes very shallow (hypopnea) during sleep. The goal is to diagnose breathing-related sleep disorders to enable appropriate treatment.

Indications

• Chronic snoring
• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent awakenings at night
• Confirming the diagnosis of sleep apnea before starting treatment

Preparation

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before the test
• Follow a regular sleep schedule for several days
• Bring comfortable sleepwear and any medications to the testing facility
• Inform the physician of any ongoing medications, as some may need to be adjusted

Procedure Description

1. Check-In: Arrival at a sleep center or hospital.
2. Setup: The patient is fitted with sensors on the scalp, face, chest, and legs to monitor brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing.
3. Sleep Monitoring: The patient is asked to sleep as usual while the sensors collect data.
4. Observation: At least 6 hours of sleep is typically observed for a comprehensive analysis.
5. Data Analysis: The data is analyzed by sleep specialists to measure the frequency of apnea and hypopnea events.

No anesthesia or sedation is required as the procedure is non-invasive.

Duration

The procedure typically takes overnight, around 6-8 hours.

Setting

The AHI/RDI measurement is performed in a sleep study center, hospital sleep lab, or sometimes at home with portable monitoring devices.

Personnel

• Sleep Technologists
• Sleep Medicine Physicians
• Registered Nurses (in some cases)

Risks and Complications

This procedure is generally safe. Common risks are minimal but include:

• Skin irritation from the adhesive patches
• Discomfort from sleeping with sensors

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders
• Formation of a baseline for treatment efficacy
• Insight into sleep quality and potential sleep disorder impacts on overall health Results are usually available within a week.

Recovery

• No significant recovery period is needed.
• Return to normal activities immediately after the study.
• Follow-up with the healthcare provider to discuss results and potential treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Home Sleep Apnea Testing: An at-home, less comprehensive test.
• Pulse Oximetry: Monitors oxygen levels overnight but doesn’t provide as detailed information.

Patient Experience

• Minor discomfort from wearing sensors.
• Possible difficulty sleeping because of the unfamiliar environment and attached sensors.
• Sleep center staff typically offer comfort measures to help patient relax and sleep as naturally as possible.

Pain management is not required, as the procedure is non-painful and non-invasive.