James Herdegen, MD

Experts discuss the utility of the STOP-Bang questionnaire as a simple, sensitive screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in primary care, highlighting its strengths and limitations, the importance of clinical judgment in interpreting results, and the value of complementary tools such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in supporting a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to OSA diagnosis and management.

Experts discuss the widespread underdiagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), emphasizing its significant impact on quality of life and comorbid conditions, the critical role of primary care in early detection, the importance of family input in recognizing symptoms, and the need for proactive, multidisciplinary strategies to ensure timely diagnosis and effective management.