Hermitage Sleep Center Receives Accreditation As A-STEP Provider
Hermitage, TN, October 29, 2008) The Hermitage Sleep Center in Hermitage, TN recently received accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as a Provider of the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program, A-STEP.

A-STEP provides participants with standardized education and training that develops a knowledge-base about sleep medicine and the professional skills required of a sleep technologist. As a staff member at a sleep facility, a sleep technologist administers sleep tests to patients as well as therapeutic services. The sleep technologist also assists the sleep physician with patient care and education.

A-STEP is a two-step training program that includes an 80-hour educational AASM A-STEP Introductory Course, followed by 14 Web-based Self-Study Modules which participants can complete during on-the-job training provided by their employer. The Hermitage Sleep Center has earned a two-year accreditation as an A-STEP Provider, meaning that the education offered by Hermitage Sleep Center’s Introductory Course has met the standards of accreditation designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involved a detailed evaluation of Hermitage Sleep Center’s program, including faculty, curriculum, resources and assessment.

“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the Hermitage Sleep Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as an A-STEP Provider,” said Alejandro D. Chediak, MD, AASM president. “Hermitage Sleep Center’s A-STEP is a significant resource to the local community as it ensures that those who assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sleep disorders are well-trained and that patients suffering from sleep disorders receive the highest quality of care.”

Individuals interested in receiving formalized education and training in sleep technology by enrolling as an A-STEP participant at Hermitage Sleep Center can contact Karisa Pace, RSPGT by telephone at 615.884.7950.

Hermitage Sleep Center is a full service sleep facility affiliated with Touchstone Medical Imaging. Our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible sleep diagnostics and treatment services, in a spa-like environment, without the long waiting periods. We are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Located at 5045 Old Hickory Blvd #105, Hermitage, TN 37076.

Hermitage Sleep Center Receives ACR Accreditation
Sleep disorders centers, and laboratories for sleep related breathing disorders, seek accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to demonstrate that they meet the highest standards of quality patient care. Hermitage Sleep Center has met these standards for the health care community.

AASM accreditation is the gold standard by which the medical community and the public can evaluate sleep medicine services. The Standards for Accreditation ensure that sleep medicine providers display and maintain proficiency in areas such as testing procedures and policies, patient safety and follow-up, and physician and staff training.

The AASM also encourages Medicare and private health insurance providers to link the reimbursement of sleep services to AASM accreditation. Recognizing that accreditation leads to improvements in patient care, many of these providers now cover sleep services only if they are performed in an AASM-accredited facility. This requirement promotes a consistent level of excellence in the provision of sleep medicine services nationwide.

To schedule your sleep analysis, or for more information, please call (615) 884-7950.