OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ —
Graymark Healthcare Inc. (Nasdaq:
GRMH), the nation’s second largest provider of diagnostic sleep
services and an innovator in comprehensive care for obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA), serviced a record number of OSA patients in the
fourth quarter of 2010, with a 16% increase in CPAP set-ups and a
75% increase in re-supply shipments, as compared to fourth quarter
of 2009.
Graymark specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep
apnea, which is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing
during sleep where each pause or “apnea” can last from a few
seconds to minutes, and can occur from five to more than 30 times
per hour. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea, where the
soft tissue in the airway obstructs breathing. OSA correlates
highly with stroke, cardiac disease, obesity and other conditions
that lead to early death and morbidity. However, 80% of patients
affected by OSA go completely undiagnosed and patient treatment
compliance is often a challenge.
In an effort to improve clinical outcomes, Graymark has been
pioneering better techniques to more quickly and effectively
diagnosis and treat patients diagnosed with OSA. In the fourth
quarter of 2009, Graymark Healthcare launched a new comprehensive
care model to improve the conversion rate of OSA patients into
successfully using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
device.
Graymark’s effective five-step clinical approach to managing
sleep disorders includes a convenient referral process, accurate
and timely assessment, diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up
to maximize patient compliance. All steps are managed by a board
certified Sleep Medicine physician. By more completely integrating
the diagnostic and treatment processes, Graymark has substantially
improved patient compliance with CPAP care and overall disease
management.
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