Changes in Patients Who Receive Coverage for Positive Airway Pressure Therapy According to Alterations in National Health Insurance Benefit Standards for Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the frequency indicators National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy investigate changes in patients receiving PAP after alterations were made insurance benefit standards mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Subjects Method We divided OSA into two groups according altered categorization (Mild1: 5≤AHI<10; Mild2: 10≤AHI<15). Eight related NHI identified: four symptoms, three complications, minimal blood oxygen saturation during polysomnography (min SpO2) ≤85% polysomnography. also investigated change number benefits under standards.Results Of 233 patients, 66, 57, 110 diagnosed as mild, moderate severe OSA, respectively. For all them, most common indicator minimum SpO2 less than 85% polysomnography, second daytime sleepiness. In group, however, sleepiness found be indicator, 46 (70%) followed by 38 (58%) with min 85%. 59 (89.4%) would have been benefited before whereas 51 (77.3%) now changed standards.Conclusion Daytime commonly observed patients. significantly decreased