BCHS Sleep Center awarded re-accreditation
Battle Creek Health System's Sleep Center at has received
program re-accreditation from the American Academy of
Sleep Medicine (AASM). To receive a five-year accreditation,
a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for
professional quality health care as designated by the
Academy. 
"The accreditation process involved a detailed
inspection of the sleep center and our staff, including
an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts,
and physician training," Lynn Sharpe, service area
manager of the BCHS Sleep Center. "There are more
than 1,600 sleep medicine centers and laboratories accredited;
BCHS is 1 of only 4 centers in Southwest Michigan to
hold this designation. I believe that speaks volumes
about the quality of our program and the dedication of
the staff that provides it."
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine,
more than 40 million Americans suffer from some type
of sleep disorder. Of that, about 95 percent go undiagnosed.
There are approximately 80 disorders of sleeping and
waking. These disorders compromise your personal health,
endanger the public safety by contributing to traffic
and industrial accidents, and they can shorten your life.
One of the most common of these afflictions is called
sleep apnea. In this condition, a person stops breathing
again and again during the night. Common symptoms are
snoring, feeling non-refreshed when you get up, and daytime
sleepiness.
Since you spend a third of your life sleeping, if you
are not getting a good night's sleep, the other two thirds
of your life will suffer as well! Sleep is not just a
time out. It is essential for renewing not only your
every-day physical health, but also your mental well-being.
If the time you spend sleeping is not productive, you
can expect your waking hours to be unproductive too.
The Battle Creek Health System Sleep Center, located
in the Fieldstone Center on the corner of Washington
Avenue and West Emmett Street opened in 1986 with only
one bed. It has expanded to eight beds to meet the needs
of its customers offering flexible hours and conducts
sleep studies during the night and day so those who work
nights can be tested during their regular sleep times.
Pediatric sleep testing and services are also available.
The sleep center has large, comfortable rooms similar
to hotel accommodations with full and queen-size beds,
TV, and private bathroom and shower facilities.
Sleep studies at the BCHS Sleep Center are offered by
referral from a physician only. If you think you have
a sleep disorder, consult your primary health provider.
When you do, describe your symptoms as clearly as possible.
It might be helpful to have your bed partner help in
describing your symptoms for the physician as well. Ask
your physician if she or he thinks a sleep study would
be helpful.
The sleep center director is a board-certified sleep
physician. The highly skilled professional staff includes
a nurse practitioner, registered polysomnographic sleep
technologists, registered respiratory therapists, and
registered electroencephalographic (EEG) technologists.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is dedicated
to maintaining high medical standards in the diagnosis
and treatment of sleep disorders. As part of this effort,
the AASM has established accreditation guidelines that
ensure patients receive quality care. AASM accreditation
continues to be the gold standard for sleep programs.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is the pioneer
in the area of sleep center accreditation and sets high
standards that translate into quality patient care. This
is reflected in the fact that in many states, third party
payers require that sleep studies be performed at an
AASM accredited facility for reimbursement.
If you have questions about sleep or how the sleep center
might help you, call 964-5347.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent
organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic
health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing
homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care
agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS
Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission
on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle
Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades
Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five
Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee
replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information
company that provides objective 'report card' ratings
nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the
community and promotes wellness for the whole person
with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical
information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com
or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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