I would not recommend this center to anyone! They don't provide solutions and it's a waste of time and money. I've visited the Commonwealth Sleep Center four times since November 2019. During which time, I've never met the doctor! First, let me share, I've had trouble sleeping for the last few years and my nurse practitioner referred me to here. Honestly, I was a little weary after reading the negative reviews, but I pushed through as maintaining sleep is an ongoing concern. I've been hoping that with scheduling an appointment, I would be a step closer to relief! Nope!
So, I schedule my first appointment on Monday, November 25th, 2019. Prior to the appointment, the scheduling office advised to complete the medical forms and an extensive sleep quality questionnaire. I arrived on my first day prepared.
PARKING:
I did see a previous review about parking, so I got there early for my 1st visit and found a spot on the street level. My other appointments I had to park in the garage. The parking is limited on the first floor. You will have to go to the underground garage and park. Then you can get on elevators to the office.
LOCATION:
The Sleep Center is in the Alexandria Professional Building. The medical building is next to the plaza that contains a CVS and Aldi. The sleep center is located on the 9th floor. However, the office appointments are held in a door called "Beaugard Medical" Which is very confusing folks...
First appointment:
It's a typical specialist visit. The medical assistants take my weight, blood pressure, and my temps. Then, Nurse practitioner, Mira Prasai and I went over a sleep study quality questionnaire and my family history. It was clear to both of us that much of my sleep issues have a lot to do with past trauma which has resulted in insomnia. She asked me if I've tried sleeping pills, therapy and meditation. Um ... of course, that's why I'm here!!! Essentially, I was told to see a psychiatrist, consider getting a roommate, or getting a pet. All things, I've considered. So, it's like preaching to the choir! When I asked for therapist suggestions, she gave none. You would think they would have a list or preferred providers if they are making recommendations. I was told to go to YouTube and watch videos by Louise Hay. I left feeling defeated. Yet, I was hopeful my insurance would approve the sleep study.
A week later, center called me to inform me my insurance approved the sleep study. However, it would be an in-home sleep study. Alright .... So, I had to schedule an appointment to pick up the sleep study equipment on Monday, December 16th.
2nd appointment:
I show up at 130pm and I wasn't seen until after 150pm. So, I'm thinking what's the point of having an appointment. During this appointment, a gentleman explains to me how to use the sleep study monitor. He went over the instructions very fast. I left feeling confused again.
Sleep study process:
I get the machine home and did everything that was instructed. Unfortunately, I woke up in the middle of the night and the nose piece was no longer in my nose and the finger clip wasn't on my finger. The next day , December 17th, I go back to the office to turn in the machine. I was never asked how it went or any challenges I had with the sleep study. I left hoping for the best.
A few days later, I get a call from the sleep center to inform me they wanted to go over the sleep study results in person. So, I scheduled the appointment for December 23rd anticipating a treatment plan or closer to a solution to help me sleep.
I went in and the medical assistant took my weight, blood pressure was temperature. Again ??? I was here less than a month ago and the appointment is about the sleep study results. Odd...Next, The nurse practitioner who I met with on my first visit (Mira Prasai) basically states the home sleep study was inconclusive and recommended an in-lab sleep study. She also advises me she needs to check with my insurance for approval. So, I'm pissed .... Isn't that something , they could of said over the phone when they called?? Why make me take off from work just to tell me they had no data? Also, if they wanted to move forward with the in-home sleep study, shouldn't they have contacted my insurance prior to my appointment. Again, the nurse practitioner asks me if I've tried other methods to sleep. Which is odd because we had this SAME conversation during my initial visit.
As I'm checking out, the front desk representative has the audacity to attempt to collect a $50 copayment from me?? For what? This is to go over the results which were none and it's an appointment the Sleep Center requested. So, now I'm angry. This appointment wasted my sick leave at work and now they trying to get more money out of me.
Lastly, when you think of a Sleep Center, you would think it would be a calm, peaceful , and serene place. Nope, It's basically a crammed doctor office. It's rather insulting that this place call its a sleep center. read more