Pegram and Robert Doekel , Jr. MD, medical director of the center, both board-certified sleep medicine specialists, have worked together for more than 30 years. The two have worked not only to expand the services of their facility but also to educate and train other medical professionals throughout Alabama and encourage them to open similar sleep centers. “Once we started helping others provide this service, we found ourselves getting busier, too,” Pegram says.
Center of Alabama strives to stand apart from the crowd. One such difference is the Center's high commitment to the amount of time the medical staff spends with patients. A physician sees each patient both before and after the sleep study. “This is not required, but we feel that in the long run we avoid communication problems,” Pegram says. With an estimated 70 plus different sleep disorders and each with various causes, communication is critical to accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama enjoys a strong reputation in the state due to Pegram and Doekel, who have been in the sleep field for 45 and 30 years, respectively. “Medical professionals think of us as a provider of sleep medicine rather than just sleep diagnostics,” Pegram says. “We evaluate, diagnose, treat and follow up with every one of our patients to ensure that they continue their treatment plan prescribed by the physician.” In 2005, the Center received its sixth accreditation from the AASM.
Patients are also encouraged to call, especially if they are having trouble with CPAP or medications.
Current Research Studies
The Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama is currently seeking participants in the following categories:
Restless Leg Syndrome or Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome
Narcolepsy in Adults
Narcolepsy in Pediatrics
For more information, check Clinical Trials and Disorders for information about whether you may have Restless Legs or Narcolepsy. You'll find those on the main menu at top of page.
Please check back frequently as new clinical research trials are continuously starting and ending.
If you use CPAP . . .
Please be aware that CPAP equipment wears out. You should consider replacing your mask, headgear and hoses about every 6 months.
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