Which insurance’s do you accept, and do I need a referral?
We accept most insurance’s, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, the Sonno Sleep Center accepts patients with and without insurance. Most plans that require you to choose a Primary Care Physician will require that physician to issue a referral number to us.


How much does my insurance cover?
Coverage varies from policy to policy. Most major insurance companies will pay 80% of reasonable and customary if we are considered "in Network". For the most accurate information you may call the customer service number on your card to check the coverage for your policy.


What happens on my first visit?
Generally, your first visit will be an initial office visit. This appointment takes about one hour. After reviewing your medical information, sleep history, and a brief exam, your physician will determine if you need a sleep study(s). Your physician will explain which study(s) you need and will schedule them before you leave the office. Read your appointment card carefully to find out if your first visit is a daytime office visit or if it is a sleep study visit at night only. See our section on "What to Expect" for more info on sleep studies.

Will I need any blood work prior to my sleep study?
During the initial evaluation by the sleep physician, they may find it necessary to order blood tests to rule out other medical conditions that may be affecting your sleep. A copy of previous laboratory results that you can furnish can certainly be helpful.

My appointment card says I have an office visit in the afternoon and a sleep study the same night. What do I do in between the two appointments?
If you live more than an hour or two away and do not come this way often for other reasons, we may schedule both visits in one day for your convenience. After your office visit, the building will close at 5 (five) P.M. and you need to have something planned to do until the night technician comes in at 8 (eight) P.M. There are restaurants, shopping centers, etc to visit to pass the time. Please let us know if it would be easier for you to schedule the two appointments on different days.


Are you on the bus line?
Yes, in El Paso we are on the Sun Metro bus line. Call 915-533-3333 for schedules.
In Las Cruces we are on the RoadRUNNER Transit bus line. Call 505-541-2500 for schedules.


Does Dr. Sergio Alvarez perform sleep studies in area hospitals even though he is owner and medical director of the “stand-alone” Sonno Sleep Center?
Yes, Dr. Alvarez has admitting privileges at all major hospitals in the area. However, please call the office at: El Paso - (915) 533-8499 or Las Cruces - (575) 522-3885 for more specific information on sleep studies performed in a hospital setting.


Why do I need two overnight studies?
The most accurate way to do sleep testing is to have one full night of diagnostic testing, followed by one full night of treatment if you have sleep apnea. The most common treatment for apnea is CPAP (pronounced see-pap). See our section on sleep apnea and treatment for more information. On occasion, the technicians may be able to complete part of both tests in one night, called a split night study.


Why do I need a sleep study if I am planning on a Gastric Bypass?
If your doctor is going to do this type of surgery on you, he/she needs to know if you have sleep apnea. Your surgeon can discuss why it is very important to have you use CPAP for sleep apnea even though you will be undergoing surgery for weight reduction.


Do you supply CPAP machines for your patients?
Yes, the Sonno Sleep Center does supply state-of-the-art Respironic CPAP machines (http://www.respironics.com). Most insurance companies cover the cost of CPAP machines, but you should check with your insurance if you want to know how much they will cover.


If I had a sleep study more than one year ago, do I need another?
If you have had any changes in weight, medical condition, or sleep compliant you may need more study(s). If your sleepiness has gotten worse suddenly, or if you have had a surgery for snoring or weight loss we may want to do more tests to be sure you are still receiving adequate treatment.


What is an MSLT and why do I need one?
An MSLT is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test. This test is a series of naps done throughout the day. MSLT’s are generally done the day after an all night study and they can tell us if you have a condition called Narcolepsy or hypersomnolence that is not attributable to sleep apnea. See our description of the MSLT in our "What to Expect" page for a more detailed description of the test. Not every patient needs an MSLT.


What age range of patients do you see?
We see patients as young as 5 years old. Usually, we have a lower limit of 5 years old and no upper limit as long as the person is ambulatory or able to have a caregiver stay to help them around.


Can someone stay with me, and how many other people may I bring?
No, you will sleep in the testing bedroom by yourself.


May I leave after "checking in" and come back when it is time for my study?
We ask that you remain here once you have checked in and been assigned a room. If you feel 8:00 P.M. is too early, you can call us at: El Paso - (915) 533-8499 or Las Cruces - (575) 522-3885 to request a later appointment time. Our technician needs to know when you will be here so your testing spot does not go to someone else, and so they can pace themselves accordingly so all patients are hooked up and in bed on time.


What are the Sonno Sleep Center’s hours?
Daytime office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sleep studies are run at night, and the building is open all week nights from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. If you have a sleep study on Sunday night, you should make sure all information needed is in our office by noon on Friday, or earlier. If you are being dropped off at the Center, make sure your ride comes in with you to find out when they need to pick you up.


What do I wear or bring with me?
For a sleep study, you should bring any toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, etc) you may need. Also, you need to bring two-piece pajamas or shorts and a T-shirt with you. You may bring your own pillow if it will help your comfort and you should bring all medications you take unless told to discontinue any of them. Eat dinner before coming in if possible. If you would like, you can pick up something on the way in and eat it here but we have no vending machines or cafeteria. If you are already on oxygen, you should come in with your own and ask to be hooked up to our in-house oxygen so you can save enough of your tank to get home. See our “What to Expect” section for more information.