How much does a polysomnogram cost?

This question was asked in Herndon, Virginia on 05/24/2012.
I do not have health insurance, but I think I need a polysomnogram and want to know the price. Can you tell me how much this sleep study could cost me?

Doctors Answers (6)

Lawrence J. Epstein, MD
Answered on: 9/14/2012

The cost of an in-laboratory polysomnogram varies depending upon the type of facility it is performed in and the geographic location of the sleep center. The range is typically from $900-$2000. Another option are out of center sleep studies, also called home sleep studies, that are used to test for obstructive sleep apnea and typically run $300-$600.

Ramie A. Tritt, M.D., FRCSC
Answered on: 6/27/2012

The cost for a sleep study varies depending on the area of the country you live in, and whether the sleep study is down in the hospital or a free standing sleep center. Sleep studies done in a free standing sleep center are generally less expensive since the hospital has a much higher capital cost. There are two components to a sleep study: the technical component and the professional component. The technical component is to cover the costs of the facility where the sleep study is performed. This is where factors such as capital costs, operating costs including labor costs come into play. The professional component is payment to the sleep medicine specialist who analyzes the study and provides the final report. Putting all these factors together means there is a range of charges for the sleep study. Generally the technical and professional components are billed together. With that in mind, the cost for a sleep study will range from $1000.00 to $2500.00. If one is covered by insurance, then there is a pre-negotiated cost for the sleep study. If one has no insurance then negotiating with the sleep center prior to having the sleep study is the recommended approach. One last thing, if your physician recommends getting a sleep study, then please follow through and do whatever you need to do with the goal of getting the sleep study done.

Richard J. Schumann Jr., MD
Answered on: 6/1/2012 1

A polysomnogram in a sleep lab costs anywhere in the range of $1800-4500 if you were paying out of pocket. Most places will take a payment plan if you need to stagger payments to get the study done.

Gary K. Zammit, Ph.D.
Answered on: 5/25/2012

Rates for polysomnograms vary, depending on your geographic location and the type of center that you visit. The best way to determine the cost is to contact an accredited sleep disorders center in your area and ask them what they charge for polysomnography when a person comes in as a "self-pay" patient. If the cost is difficult for you to handle all at once, speak with the office staff or doctor candidly. Most centers will be happy to arrange a payment schedule for you.

Syed Nabi, M.D.
Answered on: 5/25/2012

You should call around different sleep labs in your area and get an estimate of the cost of sleep studies. Sleep studies can be expensive, but most labs have payment plans to help cover the cost.

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 5/25/2012

A polysomnogram (PSG) costs from $1200-$1800 but many labs will help if you have no insurance. Sleep labs in a hospital (for unknown reasons) cost twice as much and are no better, in general, than those done in private labs. A PSG, however, is only part of the investigative process. A primary care physician can often make a diagnosis based on your history. You will need a physician to order the PSG. Of course, if your sleep issues are complex, a board certified sleep doctor should be seen first.