The 2026 Accredited Sleep Clinic Vetting Checklist

The 2026 Accredited Sleep Clinic Vetting Checklist | Sleep Medicine Directory

Sleep Medicine & Healthcare Directory › Patient Resources

Updated: February 21, 2026 • 8 min read

Choosing a sleep clinic is more than finding a bed. Ensure your provider meets the 2026 clinical standards for accreditation, physician expertise, and diagnostic accuracy with this interactive tool.

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1. Clinical Accreditation & Governance

AASM or ACHC Accreditation Verify the clinic is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) or ACHC. Ask if they use the 2026 "Modular" model for specific services.

Accreditation 360 Status For hospital-based clinics, confirm they follow The Joint Commission (TJC) "Accreditation 360" outcomes-based standards.

Facility Legitimacy Ensure the clinic has a physical location (no P.O. Boxes) and is fully ADA-compliant with soundproofing standards.

2. Provider & Staff Credentials

Board-Certified Sleep Physician Is the Medical Director board-certified in Sleep Medicine via ABMS or AOA member boards?

Certified Technical Staff Are sleep studies performed/scored by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT)?

Fellowship Training Check if specialists have completed a formal Sleep Medicine fellowship (recommended for complex cases like Narcolepsy).

3. Diagnostic Capabilities

Comprehensive Testing Menu Does the facility offer PSG (In-lab), HSAT (Home), MSLT, and MWT testing?

Split-Night Availability If OSA is severe, can they perform a "Split-Night" study (diagnosis + CPAP titration in one night) to save costs?

Pediatric Specialization If for a child, does the clinic use pediatric-specific AHI thresholds (where AHI > 1 is abnormal)?

4. Quality Metrics & Experience

Report Turnaround Time Does the clinic guarantee finalized results within the 2026 standard of 7–10 business days?

QA Performance Summaries Does the clinic maintain quarterly Performance Improvement Summaries for AHI and ODI accuracy?

Direct Referral Limit Compliance Does the clinic comply with AASM rules regarding direct referral volume (max 80%)?

5. Insurance & Billing

Prior-Authorization Management Will the clinic handle the prior-authorization with your insurer, or is that left to you?

Self-Pay Cost Transparency Are self-pay rates clear? (2026 Averages: ~$350 for Home studies, ~$3,000 for In-lab PSG).

MIPS Participation Confirm the clinic participates in MIPS or other quality-reporting frameworks required by CMS.

2026 Quick Data

Total U.S. Adults with Sleep Issues: 70M
PSG Avg. Cost: $3,000
HSAT Avg. Cost: $350
Market Value: $38.23B

Clinical Formulas

AHI Calculation

(Apneas + Hypopneas) / Total Sleep Hours

Mild (5-15), Moderate (15-30), Severe (30+)

Sleep Efficiency (SE)

(Total Sleep / Recording Time) × 100

< 85% may indicate fragmentation.

Pro Tip

Always check for the "Accreditation 360" branding. This is the hallmark of centers following the newest 2026 outcomes-based standards from The Joint Commission.