Referring Patients to Our Sleep Practice
We accept most major medical insurance, including Medicare, TriCare and VA
Managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requires a team-based approach, which can combine expertise from sleep physicians, pulmonologists, ENTs, cardiologists, neurologists, allergists, endocrinologists, and primary care providers.
At Silent Sleep Iowa, we focus on oral appliance therapy (OAT) as an effective, non-invasive alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or seek an alternative.
Our partnership with referring physicians ensures patients receive personalized, high-quality sleep apnea care.
We provide seamless coordination, efficient referrals, and ongoing communication to support both patients and their healthcare providers.
Whether your patient needs an alternative to CPAP or additional sleep apnea management, we’re here to help.
Why Refer Patients to Silent Sleep Iowa?
We partner with sleep physicians, pulmonologists, ENTs, cardiologists, neurologists, allergists, endocrinologists, and primary care providers to ensure all patients receive the best possible care for their condition.
Expertise in Dental Sleep Medicine:
Our team, led by a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), specializes in oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a CPAP alternative;
Collaborative, Patient-Centered Approach:
We work directly with referring physicians, ensuring a cohesive treatment plan for every patient;
Proven Compliance & High Patient Satisfaction:
Many patients struggle with CPAP therapy. OAT offers a comfortable, travel-friendly solution, increasing long-term treatment adherence;
Streamlined Referral Process:
Our efficient system ensures patients receive timely care, with regular updates to their referring provider.
How Our Referral and Treatment Process Works
We prioritize efficiency and collaboration to ensure a seamless referral experience for physicians and patients.
Our structured process ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
Step 1: Physician Referral
Referring a patient is simple:
Submit a referral form online, via fax, or through direct communication with our office;
Our team coordinates with your practice to obtain necessary medical records required for medical insurance coverage:
- pre- and post-sleep study office visit notes
- sleep study showing diagnosed OSA
- prescription for Oral Appliance Therapy
- documentation of CPAP failure or refusal
Step 2: Consultation & Screening
Patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation once referred. We will:
Review symptoms and assess sleep apnea severity;
Review symptoms, medical history, dental history, and sleep history to assess if Oral Appliance Therapy is a suitable treatment option.
Analyze prior sleep study results and determine if oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a suitable alternative to CPAP.
Step 3: Comprehensive Exam and Digital Scanning
Dr. Gipple will perform a comprehensive exam of the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints (TMJs). He will take pre-treatment records of the bite and the mandibular ranges of motion in order to determine starting position for the oral appliance. He will then take a digital scan of the teeth and of the starting jaw position.
Step 4: Delivery and Titration of Oral Appliance
Once the custom oral appliance is received, we will:
Make sure the appliance fits perfectly, instruct on proper use, and start the titration process. Once the patient has symptomatic improvement, we will test to further ensure the patient is at the optimal treatment position. Then we will always refer the patient back to their sleep physician, who may perform further efficacy testing if appropriate.
Our goal is to enhance patient outcomes while ensuring seamless coordination with healthcare providers.
Who Should Be Referred?
- Have been diagnosed with mild, moderate, or more severe cases of sleep apnea but prefer a comfortable CPAP alternative;
- Struggle with CPAP compliance due to mask discomfort, machine noise, or travel inconvenience;
- Experience chronic snoring or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), which disrupts sleep and affects quality of life;
- Seek a non-invasive, patient-friendly treatment option that doesn’t require a mask, tubing, or nightly power source.
Benefits of Collaborative Care
Physicians partnering with Silent Sleep Iowa gain access to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to sleep apnea care.
We ensure better patient outcomes and higher treatment compliance by working together.
Why Collaborative Care Matters
Higher Patient Compliance
CPAP adherence can be difficult for many patients. OAT offers a more comfortable, user-friendly alternative that improves long-term compliance;
Comprehensive, Integrated Treatment
We provide a holistic approach to sleep apnea management by combining medical and dental expertise;
Seamless Communication & Follow-Up
We keep referring physicians informed at every stage with regular patient updates and progress reports;
FDA-Approved, Clinically Proven Treatments
Our custom oral appliances are backed by research and designed to reduce apnea episodes effectively and improve sleep quality.
Referring to our clinic ensures your patients receive specialized, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment while maintaining continuity of care with their primary sleep physician.
How to Refer a Patient
Referring a patient is fast, simple, and hassle-free.
Our streamlined process allows physicians to focus on patient care while ensuring timely treatment coordination.
Ways to Refer:
Online Referral Form: Securely submit patient details through our website;
Fax a Referral: Send medical records and sleep study results directly to our office;
Call Our Office: Speak with our team for immediate referrals or to discuss patient concerns.
We schedule the patient for evaluation and consultation promptly once we receive a referral.
Silent Sleep Iowa provides ongoing updates on treatment progress to ensure seamless coordination between sleep physicians, primary care providers, and our sleep dentistry specialists.
