CONSULTATION & EDUCATION
A consultation is first required for all teens to understand the concerns, to confirm the diagnosis, and to evaluate if investigations (ex. a sleep study) are required. After the consultation, education is provided and treatment options are discussed.
These services typically take place over 1-2 appointments*. The presence of a parent and/or caregiver is suggested for these appointments.
*Please note: During the current work-from-home circumstances, all new consultations will be arranged through the administrative staff at Dr. Ooi's other practice location, MedSleep Toronto Sleep Institute. All care is being delivered virtually.
★OHIP-COVERED CONSULTATION AND NON-MEDICATION TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC INSOMNIA★
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CONSULTATION
OHIP-covered virtual consultation for individuals 13y+ with insomnia and sleep timing concerns in Ontario, Canada
A physician referral is required
TRIED EVERYTHING?
CONFUSED ABOUT NEXT STEPS?
With a consultation at the DECODE Insomnia Clinic, you'll learn about the factors contributing to your sleep issue, priority areas for intervention, initial steps, and treatment options, including the DECODE Sprint* & the DECODE Insomnia Program.
CONSULTATION FAQ
WHAT IS CHRONIC INSOMNIA?
Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, despite having adequate opportunity for sleep. According to the DSM-V criteria, chronic insomnia involves symptoms lasting for at least three nights per week for at least three months, causing significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY DOCTOR HAS MADE A REFERRAL?
You will be contacted by the clinic with directions to register as a clinic patient and request an appointment time through the portal. If your physician has submitted a referral but you have not yet been contacted, please email decodeinsomnia@protonmail.com. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with appointment details and an intake questionnaire to complete prior to your visit.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION?
Complete & submit the intake questionnaire at least 2 business days prior to the consultation. Ensure you have a good internet connection, access to Zoom, and a private location for the consultation FOR YOUTH (13-18): The intake questionnaire form is to be completed by the youth with or without a parent/caregiver present. Both the youth and a parent/caregiver are required at the consultation. The consultation appointment cannot be held with the parent alone. It is recommended that the youth and parent/caregiver log-on to the virtual Zoom visit on separate devices.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE CONSULTATION?
Information about your sleep concerns is gathered in the intake questionnaire and the virtual visit with the physician. At the end of the consultation, you will receive feedback, information about treatment approaches, first steps, and resources (videos, handouts) to help you take action. FOR YOUTH (13-18): Typically, the physician will meet with the teen and parent(s)/caregiver(s) both together and separately.
WHAT IF I HAVE ANOTHER SLEEP CONCERN OTHER THAN INSOMNIA?
This clinic is not a general Sleep Medicine clinic and does not provide management of sleep disorders other than chronic insomnia and sleep timing concerns. The consultation will include a general screen for other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, disorders of excessive sleepiness, restless leg syndrome, and parasomnias. A referral to a general Sleep Medicine clinic may be recommended after the consultation.
*WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS AFTER CONSULTATION?
Options will be discussed once the physician has assessed your sleep concern. There are two treatment options: *A Sleep Sprint: An OHIP-covered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) intervention [available for youth (13-26) and being piloted as an option for adults (27+)] The DECODE Insomnia Program: A comprehensive 7-week program that combines CBT-I with habit training, strategies from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and strategies to manage cognitive overload. This is a paid option as the program is delivered by sessions with a registered psychotherapist at the standard private psychotherapy rate (covered by many private insurance plans; psychotherapy invoice and letter provided).
IS MEDICATION PRESCRIBED?
The use of medication for the treatment of chronic insomnia can be discussed at the time of consultation. In many cases, medication is not necessary or plays a limited role in the management of chronic insomnia. In the rare cases in which medication is recommended in conjunction with non-medication treatment for insomnia, they will be prescribed for short-term use only.
WHAT IF I NEED A SLEEP STUDY?
While a sleep study is not required to diagnose chronic insomnia, it may be beneficial to rule out other sleep disorders like sleep apnea. An opinion regarding the need for a sleep study will be provided during the consultation.