Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Polysomnography, also known as a sleep study, is a test used to diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. But how much does a polysomnography test actually cost?
The price varies depending on whether the study is done at a sleep center or at home, insurance coverage, and the complexity of the test. Let’s break down the cost of polysomnography, insurance coverage, and ways to save money on this essential test.
Average Cost of a Polysomnography Sleep Study in 2024
Type of Sleep Study |
Cost Without Insurance |
Cost With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
In-Lab Sleep Study (Full Night) |
$1,000 – $5,000 |
$100 – $1,000 (depending on plan) |
Home Sleep Study |
$150 – $800 |
$0 – $300 |
CPAP Titration Study |
$1,000 – $3,000 |
$200 – $800 |
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) |
$500 – $2,500 |
$100 – $800 |
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) |
$500 – $2,000 |
$100 – $600 |
An in-lab sleep study is the most expensive option, while home sleep tests are much cheaper. The CPAP titration study is needed if you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and need a machine for treatment.
What Affects the Cost of a Sleep Study?
- Where You Take the Test – In-lab studies are more expensive than home tests.
- Insurance Coverage – Some insurance plans fully cover home sleep studies, but may require pre-authorization for in-lab studies.
- Type of Sleep Study – Some sleep disorders require additional tests like the MSLT for narcolepsy, which increases costs.
- Follow-Up Appointments – If a CPAP machine is prescribed, additional sleep study sessions may be needed to adjust settings.
- Location – Costs are higher in major cities and lower in rural areas.
Polysomnography Costs by State
State |
Average In-Lab Sleep Study Cost |
|---|---|
California |
$2,500 – $5,000 |
Texas |
$1,500 – $3,500 |
Florida |
$1,800 – $4,000 |
New York |
$2,800 – $5,000 |
Ohio |
$1,200 – $3,200 |
Sleep studies tend to be cheaper in the Midwest and Southern states compared to coastal cities.
Insurance Coverage for Polysomnography
Most health insurance plans cover polysomnography if medically necessary. However, there are differences in coverage based on the type of test.
Insurance Type |
Coverage for In-Lab Study |
Coverage for Home Study |
|---|---|---|
Employer Health Insurance |
50% – 80% covered |
Fully covered or low copay |
Medicare |
Covers if ordered by a doctor |
Often covered first before in-lab study |
Medicaid |
Varies by state |
Often covered for sleep apnea screening |
Private Insurance |
Deductible + Copay |
Often lower out-of-pocket cost |
🔹 Medicare and private insurers often require a home study first before approving an in-lab study.
In-Lab vs. Home Sleep Study: Which is Cheaper?
Factor |
In-Lab Sleep Study |
Home Sleep Study |
|---|---|---|
Cost Without Insurance |
$1,000 – $5,000 |
$150 – $800 |
Cost With Insurance |
$100 – $1,000 |
$0 – $300 |
Testing Environment |
Sleep lab with full monitoring |
At home, limited monitoring |
Best For |
Complex sleep issues |
Screening for sleep apnea |
Covered by Insurance? |
Requires pre-authorization |
Often first choice for approval |
If your doctor suspects sleep apnea, a home test is often recommended first because it is cheaper and easier.
Additional Costs After a Sleep Study
- CPAP Machine – If diagnosed with sleep apnea, a CPAP machine costs $500 – $2,000 (often covered by insurance).
- Follow-Up Appointments – A sleep specialist consultation can cost $100 – $500 per visit.
- Additional Testing – If results are inconclusive, a second study may be needed.
Ways to Save Money on a Sleep Study
- Check if a home sleep study is an option – It’s much cheaper than an in-lab test.
- Use in-network providers – Out-of-network sleep studies can cost twice as much.
- Ask about payment plans – Many sleep centers offer low monthly payment options.
- Use an FSA or HSA – If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can use pre-tax money.
- Check for hospital financial assistance – Some hospitals offer discounts for uninsured patients.
Is a Sleep Study Worth the Cost?
A polysomnography sleep study is essential if you’re experiencing chronic fatigue, snoring, difficulty breathing at night, or excessive daytime sleepiness. While the cost can be high, untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
A home sleep study is the most affordable option, but if your symptoms are complex, an in-lab test may be necessary.
Have you had a sleep study? What was your experience with costs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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