Division of Pediatric Sleep Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions

What is involved in a sleep study?
An overnight sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) is a complicated test but is not painful. Many wires are attached to the head, face, chest, and legs to monitor breathing, brainwaves, heart rate, carbon dioxide levels, and body position.

Why should my child come to the Pediatric Sleep Center?
We test only children, and our staff is experienced at handling children of all ages. Our studies are 9-10 hours long, which is 30-40% longer than most adult studies. Our equipment is state of the art, and we are able to measure more features of sleep with increased accuracy. Finally, pediatric sleep studies are scored differently, and at the Pediatric Sleep Center, only pediatric sleep specialists interpret the studies.

What should I bring to the sleep study?
Although we provide blankets and pillows, please feel free bring any items that make your child comfortable, such as favorite pillow or blanket, DVDs, books, and/ or stuffed animals. Make sure to bring any medications your child takes regularly and a few snacks. Your child's hair should be clean and dry so that the sensors will adhere properly.

Can I stay with my child?
Yes, a parent is required to stay with the child overnight. We have a parent bed in the child's room.

What if my child has to use the bathroom during a study?
Just let the sleep technician know, and your child will be unhooked.

How long does the test take?
You and your child should arrive between 7–7:30 PM the night of the study and you will be going home at 7–7:30 AM the following day. If your child is scheduled for an additional daytime nap study, you will stay until about 5 PM.

How long does it take to get the results?
The sleep study involves many measurements and takes about two weeks to interpret. You and your child will return to clinic for a follow up appointment after the study for test results.

What if my child has difficulty sleeping during the test?
This is a common concern, but we find that most children sleep enough that we are able to gather the information we need.

How do I make an appointment for a sleep study?
We accept new patients by referral only. Please contact your child's pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist or other doctor for a referral. Once this has been completed, you can call the Pediatric Sleep Center for an appointment.

Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes, the Pediatric Sleep Center (PSC) has distinct cancellation and no-show policies for patients depending on the patient's type of visit (e.g., sleep study or sleep clinic visit). Please contact the office for details.

Do you need to know all of the insurance policies my child has?
Yes, in order to ensure accuracy of insurance reimbursement any insurance that your child is currently enrolled on the date of service requires notification. When you have multiple plans, there are plan benefit rules which determine primary and secondary carriers.

What is coordination of benefits?
Coordination of benefits (COB) is required when you have multiple insurance plans. Coordination of benefits is the determination of which insurance pays: primary, secondary, or tertiary.

How can I send you my insurance information?
You may call our office at 703.226.2290 or fax a copy of the front and back of your insurance card to 540.751.1954. You may also mail a copy of the front and back of your card to the business office at:

Pediatric Sleep Center a division of The Pediatric Lung Center
c/o Management Consultants for Affiliated Physicians
2730-B Prosperity Avenue
Fairfax, Virginia 22031

How do I request a copy of my medical records?
We want to make it as simple as possible for you to get a copy of your medical and/or billing records, but we are required by law to obtain certain written information. Please follow the steps below:

• To have copies of your medical or billing records mailed to you personally
  If you are a patient or the parent/legal guardian of a minor patient, complete the Request to Access and/or Copy Protected Health Information Form and mail or fax it to our office.

• To have copies of your medical or billing records sent to a non-FNA health care provider, insurance company, school, etc.
  Complete the Authorization to Use and/or Disclose Protected Health Information Form and mail or fax it to our office.

Where can I send a payment?
Please send payments to the business office at:

Pediatric Sleep Center a division of The Pediatric Lung Center
c/o Management Consultants for Affiliated Physicians
2730-B Prosperity Avenue
Fairfax, Virginia 22031

What credit cards do you accept?
We accept American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, and Visa.

Do you have an online payment option?
At this time we do not have an online payment option.

Do you have a payment plan?
If you would like to inquire about a payment plan, please contact the office at 703.226.2290 or 540.751.1955.