University of Vermont Medical Center Sleep Program

I've now been waiting for close to six months to even be scheduled for a sleep study. That entire time, I've been strung along by the program. At first, I was told that the lab was "just waiting on a specific piece of equipment" which should be there within the next couple weeks. I was then told that they had the equipment, but needed administrative approval to use it. Then, I was told that in fact, they hadn't received the equipment, and wouldn't begin *scheduling* the test I needed until February. If they'd just been honest with me about the time I could have expected to wait, I would have begun reaching out to other hospitals in the region. If other hospitals are an option for you, I'd recommend trying them, rather than going to UVMMC.

This place took an entire month to report my boyfriend’s test results. An entire month! This is despite those at-home results showing an AHI of 1, which would very clearly mean not having sleep apnea based on that data. This was an entire month of us hoping for answers. An entire month of us anxious for results, and at least being diagnosed with sleep apnea would mean he’d have an actionable diagnosis with an easy treatment. I had my own testing done here years ago and it only took 2 days to get my positive results. This place deserves all the 1-star reviews it can receive.

If only I could give NO stars. I have been a resident of Vermont for over 20 years, have had both my children born at Fletcher Allen.....loved it 10-15 years ago....but...they have fallen off the map. I have struggled, I mean struggled, to make an appt for my sleep apnea. They had told me it would be 6-8months to come in for one. My PCP suggested a take home test...which I scheduled 3 months ago, they call me today, and say, they cancelled it because they didnt have my PCP's notes...which I could have gotten in moments. They are terrible ....use DARTMOUTH HITCHCOCK for anything now.,...I'll accept the hour long drive...

The people are kind, but apathetic. The process is slow and needs to be guided and pushed along by the patient. When you call to report badly worsening symptoms, you sort of have to start over with the process of articulating your issue. They do not seem to review the CPAP data or even their notes. Calls are screened by a nurse, who speculates on what may be causing your issues, but not necessarily in way that conveys a sense of expertise. You're just chatting at a bar.

For the parents: There's a lot of haters leaving reviews that need to lighten up, and maybe take a nappy. My 4 year old has had 3 sleep studies in the last 2 years. The staff has always been kind, considerate ,and communicative of the process to me, and him. Yes, it stinks you have to go in at 8 pm, but that's how the program works, and yes, the beds aren't the greatest, but it's a hospital, not a hotel. Yes, it's a ton of wires and they are uncomfortable, but your kid is resilient and will fall asleep. I bet they won't remember a thing about the experience, unless you decide to have a tantrum. I'm grateful we have access to modern technology and the competent staff willing to stay up all night and watch my little one sleep to gather the data we need.