Doctors often order a sleep study or test when they suspect a person might have a sleep disorder, like obstructive sleep apnea. We cover pricing for both in-lab sleep studies and at-home sleep tests, along with factors that influence how much a sleep study costs.
Sleep Study Costs
The cost of a sleep test can vary greatly depending on if the test is an in-lab sleep study or an at-home sleep test.
In-Lab Sleep Study
The average cost of an in-lab sleep study can range from between about $1,000 and $10,000 depending on insurance coverage. The actual fee a person with insurance pays is lower, however, because their insurance will likely cover some or much of the cost.
In-lab sleep studies cost more than home sleep apnea tests, because they are considered “attended,” whereas HSATs are “unattended.” In an attended, in-lab sleep study, a sleep technologist watches the person sleeping via video monitoring throughout the entire night. The sleeper can communicate with them at any time, and this adds an additional cost.
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
In the U.S., the base charge of a home sleep apnea test can range from about $150 to $1000, depending on where a person lives and if they have insurance or not. Usually, a person undergoing an HSAT must pick up and drop off the testing materials from a sleep clinic or doctor’s office themselves, but in some cases, it may be delivered.
Since the sleeper or a caregiver attaches the measuring devices used in an HSAT, there are fewer costs associated with the test compared to an in-lab sleep test. There is also much less equipment used in an HSAT compared to an in-lab sleep study. The cost of an HSAT accounts for renting the equipment and having an expert evaluate the test results.
Because HSATs cost so much less than in-lab sleep studies, many people might prefer them. However, HSATs are only appropriate for people thought to have uncomplicated obstructive sleep apnea. HSATs cannot be used to identify other sleep disorders or calibrate obstructive sleep apnea treatment devices.
Additional Costs
Related doctors appointments are often necessary before and after a sleep study, which can add additional costs to the process.
For example, a person with insurance may need to pay a copay to first see their primary care physician and explain their sleep difficulties. That doctor might refer them to an appointment with a sleep specialist who will prescribe a sleep study, and the appointment with the sleep specialist could come with another copay.
When a person undergoes an HSAT, they may have to meet with a doctor or sleep technologist first to receive instructions on how to use the testing device. This appointment likely also comes with a copay or other charge. Once testing results are available, a sleep specialist may require an appointment to go over them.
Are Sleep Studies Covered by Insurance?
Most health insurance companies, along with Medicare, cover the cost of sleep studies that are considered medically necessary. However, the related out-of-pocket costs can vary widely. Be sure to contact your insurance company prior to undergoing a sleep study or HSAT to ask for a cost estimate related to the testing.
References
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Health
Afy is a writer and creative strategist in San Francisco with a master’s degree in international health policy from the London School of Economics. She has written for VeryWell Health, BlackDoctor.org, and Paste magazine and edited peer-reviewed journal manuscripts for Elsevier. Afy says her work with The Sleep Doctor is anything but “sleepy.” She enjoys the opportunity to learn new information and share knowledge that gives people the power to make better choices. Afy also likes to read non-fiction, do creative writing, and travel solo.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Bear
Ask the Sleep Doctor
Have questions about sleep? Submit them here! We use your questions to help us decide topics for articles, videos, and newsletters. We try to answer as many questions as possible. You can also send us an email. Please note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters.
