Sleep Apnea Screening Practices During Department of Transportation Medical Examinations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the practices of Michigan Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association (MOEMA) members regarding screening for sleep apnea during required driver medical examinations.

METHODS: A 13-question survey on sleep apnea screening practices was emailed to the MOEMA member. Nonresponders received additional E-mails and calls.

RESULTS: The survey response rate was 66%. Fifty-five percent of respondents performed driver examinations and 94% screened for sleep apnea. Variations in practice included differences in how many risk factors were used to determine the need for polysomnography, 13% never ordered polysomnography and 42% never denied medical certification because of sleep apnea.

CONCLUSION: Although there was significant consensus that sleep apnea screening was important, there was a large variation in the indication for and frequency in which sleep studies were ordered and drivers were denied approval because of concern about sleep apnea.