As the National Transportation Safety Board recommends companies test their drivers for sleep apnea, the ability to do just that can create a logistical nightmare for managers. A new program from Sleep HealthCenters is trying to change that.
The formation of SleepPartners, a nationwide network of accredited sleep centers with board-certified sleep specialists, offers sleep medicine services under one network, the company says. In addition, the network will offer corporate wellness and payer disease management programs.
According to a press release from the company, SleepPartners can custom design and implement a sleep testing program for companies.
“Corporate wellness programs educate employees on the importance of sleep, screen employees for sleep disorders, diagnose those screened as high-risk and then provide treatment options and follow-up care. The SleepPartners network members provide the flexibility and responsiveness critical to offering these services nationally,” said Paul Valentine, CEO of Sleep HealthCenters.
Sleep apnea is a major problem for Americans in all walks of life, but particularly professional drivers. The condition disrupts sleep patterns, causing interrupted sleep. As anyone knows, a driver who has not gotten a good night’s sleep cannot fully focus on the task of driving, putting safety of others, and themselves, at risk.
Identifying sleep apnea can allow medical professionals to treat it. The group pulls together almost 100 centers throughout the U.S and each is accredited through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or the Joint Commissions, board-certified sleep specialists. Each center can provide evaluation, diagnostics, treatment and long-term management for sleep disorders of all kinds.
“The SleepPartners network allows our centers to be connected to other sleep centers in the country who share a unified approach to sleep medicine,” said Joseph M. Ojile, MD, Medical Director of the Clayton Sleep Institute in St. Louis. “This ensures consistent care and a high level of quality is maintained, whether a patient or employer is in Boston, St. Louis, or Phoenix.”
For partnership inquires, contact Rosellen Sullivan, Director of Business Development, at 781-340-3336 ext. 123 or visit http://www.sleeppartners.com.
