Philadelphia (November 10, 2001) - Need to take on your health insurance carrier so bills get paid for supplies or equipment to treat sleep disorders? Since insurance mandates covering equipment and supplies do not exist, an insider's view is needed.

Bill Bayer, RRT, director of Client Services, Medical Express in Bristol, will be the guest speaker at the Wednesday, December 5, 2001 Awake In Philly Sleep Apnea Education and Support Group meeting.

Bayer will address the Awake In Philly Support Group on the topic of "Insurance Denials, Appeals and Woes." During the meeting, he will explain insurance and reimbursement issues in plain language, from the provider's perspective.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting will be held in the Conference Room at the Northeast Regional Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 2228 Cottman Ave.

Sleep apnea can be a serious disorder with grave consequences. Apnea often goes undetected and undiagnosed for years. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to heart damage, memory loss, sexual dysfunction, and feelings of depression, among other problems. Apnea's impact is far-reaching. In fact, family life, job performance, social life, driving ability, and visual acuity are among a few of the areas impacted by untreated or undiagnosed sleep apnea. Research shows that treating sleep apnea normalizes one's risk for motor vehicle crashes.

After graduating from Hahnemann in 1980, Bill became a Registered Respiratory Therapist and began working in a teaching hospital as a staff Respiratory Therapist.

Bill said he has "held positions as Intensive Care Coordinator and shift supervisor," Bill said, relating his background in respiratory care. "I began consulting for a home healthcare equipment company, and later started a home medical equipment company, Medical Express, in 1986. Since then, I have set up many individuals on CPAP equipment and have had the opportunity to observe the positive impact this equipment can have on their overall health."

"I will share my perspective as both a supplier of CPAP equipment and a Respiratory Clinician meeting the needs of my clients in a restrictive reimbursement region," Bill said while discussing the upcoming meeting. Bill said he can also offer some suggestions that could help some people resolve existing or potential issues.

A copy of the book, Desperately Seeking Snoozin' (The Insomnia Cure from Awake to Zzzz), by John Wiedman, which was donated by TalkAboutSleep.com, will be given away at the meeting. See the rules for all details.

The Northeast Regional Library is conveniently located on several SEPTA bus routes, as well as being conveniently located near a SEPTA train station. For public transportation to the Northeast Regional Library, please call SEPTA at 215-580-7800 or visit the SEPTA website at http://www.septa.org. The Northeast Regional Library is about one-half mile northwest of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, and may be contacted at 215-685-0500. Driving directions to the library may be accessed on the Awake In Philly site at http://www.AwakeInPhilly.org/Meetings/NERL.shtml.

Awake In Philly meetings are designed to offer support to anyone who must deal with the impact of sleep apnea, including the patient, the spouse, a co-worker or supervisor, researchers, physicians, attorneys, among others. Everyone is encouraged to attend the meetings.