The American Academy of Sleep Medicine runs a directory, not the clinics themselves
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is a professional organization for sleep doctors and researchers, not a network of clinics you can walk into. What AASM does provide is a searchable directory of sleep medicine specialists and accredited sleep centers across the United States. When you search the AASM directory, you find real clinics and individual doctors who meet AASM standards for training and practice.
The directory is free to search and organized by state and city. You enter your location and get a list of nearby sleep centers with contact information. Some centers are hospital-based, some are independent, and some are part of larger medical groups. The AASM does not operate them, refer you to them, or manage your care — it straightforward maintains the list of places that have met its accreditation standards.
Understanding this distinction matters because it shapes what you can expect when you contact a clinic. You are calling a medical facility directly, not going through AASM as an intermediary. AASM sets the standards those clinics meet, but does not staff them or handle scheduling.
Key Takeaways
- The AASM directory lists sleep centers and sleep medicine doctors by location, and you search it free on the AASM website to find clinics near you.
- Accreditation by AASM means a clinic has met standards for equipment, staff training, and how sleep studies are conducted, but does not may provide your insurance will cover it.
- You contact the clinic directly to schedule an appointment — AASM does not handle referrals or scheduling.
- Sleep centers in the directory may be hospital departments, private practices, or part of larger medical groups, and their costs and insurance acceptance vary widely.
How to find a clinic through the AASM directory
Go to the AASM website and look for the "Find a Sleep Center" or "Find a Sleep Medicine Specialist" tool. Enter your state, then your city or zip code. The search returns a list of accredited centers and individual doctors in your area, usually with phone numbers and sometimes with links to their own websites.
The directory shows whether each listing is a sleep center (a full facility where you go for testing) or an individual sleep medicine doctor (who may work at a hospital, clinic, or private practice). Some listings include brief information about what services they offer — for example, whether they do home sleep testing or in-lab studies.
Once you have the contact information, you call the clinic directly. Tell them what you need: an evaluation for suspected sleep apnea, a second opinion, a sleep study, or ongoing management of a diagnosed condition. The clinic staff will tell you whether they have openings, what your first visit involves, and what insurance they accept.
What AASM accreditation means for a sleep center
An AASM-accredited sleep center has met standards set by the Academy in three main areas: the equipment used for sleep testing, the qualifications of the staff who conduct and interpret tests, and the procedures the center follows. These standards exist so that sleep studies produce reliable results and patients receive consistent quality of care.
Accreditation does not mean the center is the "best" or that it will definitely accept your insurance. It means the center has demonstrated it meets a baseline for how sleep medicine should be practiced. Many excellent sleep centers are accredited; some good ones may not be, depending on when they last pursued accreditation or their business model.
When you call a clinic, you can ask directly whether it is AASM-accredited. If it is, that is one data point about its standards. You should also ask about your specific needs — whether they do the type of test your doctor ordered, how long the wait is for an appointment, and whether they work with your insurance.
Types of sleep centers you will find in the directory
Sleep centers vary in size and setting. A hospital-based sleep center is usually part of a larger medical system and may have more equipment and staff on site. An independent sleep center is a standalone facility, often smaller. Some centers are part of a doctor's private practice office.
Most centers offer both in-lab sleep studies (where you spend the night at the facility) and home sleep apnea tests (where you take equipment home and test yourself). Some specialize in one or the other. A few offer additional services like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment sales, mask fitting, or behavioral sleep medicine.
The AASM directory listing may not spell out all these details, so asking when you call is important. Tell the clinic what your doctor ordered or what you think you need, and they will tell you whether they can do it.
Insurance, cost, and what to confirm before your visit
AASM accreditation does not determine what your insurance will cover. Coverage depends on your specific plan, whether your doctor's referral meets your plan's requirements, and whether the clinic has a contract with your insurance company. A clinic can be fully accredited and still be out-of-network for you.
Before scheduling, ask the clinic three things: Do you accept my insurance? If yes, is there a copay or deductible I should know about? If you do not accept my insurance, what is the out-of-pocket cost? Some clinics can tell you on the phone; others ask you to call your insurance company first to confirm coverage, then call back to schedule.
Sleep studies can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the type of test and your location. In-lab studies typically cost more than home tests. If cost is a concern, mention it when you call — some centers offer payment plans or can discuss less expensive testing options with you.
What happens after you contact a clinic
When you call, the clinic will ask why you are seeking care and may ask basic health questions. They will tell you what to bring (insurance card, photo ID, list of current medications) and what to expect at your first visit. For an in-lab sleep study, they will explain what time to arrive, what you can bring, and what the night involves.
Your first appointment is usually a consultation with a sleep medicine doctor or a nurse, not the sleep study itself. They will review your symptoms, medical history, and any previous test results. They may order a sleep study or recommend other tests. If a study is ordered, the clinic will schedule it and give you instructions for preparation.
After your study is complete, the sleep center sends results to your doctor, who interprets them and discusses next steps with you. The center may also provide you with a copy of the results. Your doctor, not the sleep center, decides what treatment to recommend.
When a clinic in the directory is not available or not a fit
If the nearest AASM-accredited center has a long wait or does not accept your insurance, you have options. You can ask your primary care doctor for a referral to any sleep center, accredited or not. You can also search online for sleep centers in your area and call them directly to ask about their qualifications, even if they do not appear in the AASM directory.
Some areas have few or no accredited sleep centers nearby. In rural regions especially, you may need to travel or explore telemedicine options. Some sleep doctors now offer initial consultations by video, though sleep studies still require an in-person visit.
If you have already been diagnosed with a sleep disorder and are looking for ongoing care rather than a diagnostic study, you may not need a full sleep center — a sleep medicine doctor in a regular office may be sufficient. The AASM directory includes both, so you can filter by what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call AASM to get a referral to a specific clinic?
No. AASM maintains the directory but does not handle referrals or scheduling. You search the directory yourself and call the clinic directly. Your doctor can also refer you to a specific center if they have a preferred relationship with one.
Does AASM accreditation mean my insurance will cover the clinic?
No. Accreditation and insurance coverage are separate. A clinic can be accredited and still be out-of-network for your plan. Always call your insurance company or ask the clinic directly about coverage before scheduling.
What if I need a sleep study but the nearest accredited center is far away?
Ask your doctor whether a home sleep apnea test is an option — many can be done at home and mailed back to a lab. If you need an in-lab study, some centers offer telemedicine consultations first, which may reduce the number of trips you need to make.
How do I know if a sleep center is actually accredited by AASM?
If it appears in the AASM directory, it is accredited. You can also ask the clinic directly when you call. They should be able to tell you their accreditation status and when it was last renewed.
Can I get a sleep study without a doctor's referral?
Some sleep centers accept self-referrals, but most require a doctor's order. Call the clinic and ask. If you do not have a primary care doctor, some sleep centers can help you connect with one or can see you for an initial consultation to determine whether testing is needed.