SAN CARLOS, CA – Nov. 9, 2010 -- SleepQuest, Inc., the highly regarded national provider of sleep medicine services announced today that Humana has contracted with SleepQuest to expand access to affordable Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) screening, diagnostic, therapy and compliance services for the Insurer’s PPO and Medicare members.
Almost 30 million Americans are affected by OSA and approximately 20 million remain undiagnosed and at risk for more serious complications like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. As it has done with payers insuring over 200 million lives, SleepQuest will bring affordable sleep medicine to Humana physicians and patients across the country.
“For over a decade, we have been empowering primary care physicians help their patients make informed decisions about their health care and health costs”, said Robert Koenigsberg, CEO of SleepQuest. “Meanwhile, payers rely on our proven ability to improve patient outcomes and reduce the increasing costs arising from this serious chronic condition.”
By employing FDA-cleared diagnostic and therapy devices from the industry’s top manufacturers, SleepQuest provides the highest-quality services that include both Home Sleep Testing and Therapy, as well as close relationships with Sleep Laboratories, Durable Medical Equipment and Home Health Agencies.
Of particular importance to SleepQuest will be its ability to provide a comprehensive program of patient monitoring and compliance services extending far beyond the traditional initiation of therapy. Employing the latest in telehealth services, SleepQuest’s proprietary protocols of education, motivation and intervention allows the Company to proactively manage and optimize the patient’s adherence to the sleep therapy program.
For more than a decade, Dr. William Dement has been the Chief Scientific Advisor for SleepQuest, Inc. and instrumental in the development of the Company’s programs, protocols and initiatives. Often referred to as the “Father of Sleep Medicine”, Dr. Dement earned this title after establishing the first sleep testing center and the field of sleep medicine. Dr. Dement also continues as a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and the Division Chief of the Stanford University Division of Sleep.
Both new and existing Humana patients will be able to take advantage of the many key features of MySleepQuest.com, the premiere online destination for Sleep Apnea Wellness. MySleepQuest provides screening and educational tools, as well as therapy selection and an opportunity to discuss Sleep Apnea with a Sleep Care Specialist, which allows consumers to proactively address their sleep apnea issues.
“We are thrilled that Humana has joined with SleepQuest to increase access to quality and affordable sleep healthcare to their members nationwide”, said Koenigsberg.
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 10.3 million medical members and approximately 7.3 million specialty-benefit members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals.
Over its 49-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the Company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the company’s web site at http://www.humana.com
About SleepQuest
SleepQuest, Inc. is a national provider of comprehensive Sleep Apnea services, with Board Certified sleep medicine physicians reviewing diagnosis, therapy and ongoing clinical support. Through MySleepQuest.com, the company permits consumers and existing patients across the country to benefit from SleepQuest’s experience in providing customized care.
SleepQuest has delivered successful outcomes to thousands of patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Accredited by the Joint Commission, their comprehensive and clinically-validated “Continuum of Care” approach includes screening, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing patient management to achieve high compliance rates and successful medical and quality-of-life outcomes.
For additional information, visit SleepQuest at http://www.SleepQuest.com
Contact:
Robert B. Koenigsberg President/C.E.O. SleepQuest, Inc. 985 Industrial Road, Suite 200 San Carlos, CA 94070 Phone: 650-412-0123 x201 Fax: 650-412-0130