Vista's Sleep Centers earn national accreditation
As an important step forward in providing care for people who suffer from sleep disorders, Vista Health System recently received national accreditation for its two comprehensive Sleep Centers in Waukegan and Lindenhurst.
Vista earned this distinction from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine after a thorough review process that required Vista to pass the association's high standards for accreditation.
"We are very proud to receive this outstanding accreditation for our Sleep program," said Barbara Martin, president and CEO of Vista Health System.
"AASM center accreditation reflects our commitment to ensure that patients with sleep disorders receive the highest quality care. Accreditation by AASM is the gold standard by which the medical community and the public evaluate sleep medicine facilities."
Vista's Sleep Centers perform comprehensive testing for pediatric and adult patients of all ages. Board-certified sleep medicine specialists and skilled sleep technologists work together to provide patient-focused care in evaluating, diagnosing and effectively treating the more than 80 recognized sleep disorders, most of which include: obstructive pediatric and adult sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia and restless legs syndrome.
"Millions of Americans suffer from various types of sleep disorders," said Anil Khurana M.D., medical director of Vista's Sleep Program.
"They can experience symptoms such as fatigue, depression, personality changes, irritability, memory loss, decreased concentration, accidents and frequent illnesses, as well as risk for hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
"With our accredited, comprehensive Vista Sleep Centers, we have the experience and tools to achieve the kind of deep sleep that is vital to good physical and mental health. When adequately treated for sleep disorders, people may experience better quality of life."
In children, sleep disorders may lead to serious cardiovascular, metabolic and development effects, according to Srikanth Davuluri M.D., a Vista pulmonologist who is a pediatric and adult sleep specialist.
"We know that 25-30 percent of infants and children experience sleep disturbances," Dr. Davuluri said. "These also may result in poor school performance. Fortunately, a lot of these sleep disorders are very treatable."
Both Vista centers are equipped with new computer sleep diagnostic systems that painlessly record all the parameters needed to track sleep patterns, breathing, snoring, cardiac output and leg movements. Vista's Sleep Center private bedrooms also have been recently renovated with new furniture, including comfortable recliners and HD televisions.
The Vista Sleep Center in Waukegan is at Vista Medical Center East, 1324 N. Sheridan Road, and the Sleep Center in Lindenhurst is in the Vista Ambulatory Care Center located on the Vista Lindenhurst campus, 1050 Red Oak Lane.
AASM Accreditation of Sleep Disorders Centers acts as an indicator to patients and referring physicians that a facility is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. With more than 30 years as the leader in setting clinical standards in the field, the AASM has earned recognition as the authority in sleep and sleep center recognition.
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