FAQs

Questions about the Allina Transition

What’s changing?

NorthStar Sleep Center providers and staff are joining Allina Health starting July 1, 2024.

Can I still see my same provider at NorthStar?

Yes.

How do I schedule future appointments?

Throughout the month of June, you can continue to use our regular scheduling number: 763-452-3955. Starting July 1, please use our new scheduling number: 612-262-7100.

Will my care be covered by my insurance?

Allina Health is in-network for many insurance plans. However, it is a good idea to contact your insurance carrier to confirm coverage.

Are any services going away?

We will continue to evaluate and treat a wide variety of Sleep conditions and symptoms.

How do I get medication refills?

We will continue to process medication refills as NorthStar Sleep Center until the end of June. Starting July 1, 2024, refills will be processed by Allina.

Can I still access the Patient Portal?

You can continue to access your Minnesota Lung Center / Minnesota Sleep Institute patient portal through the month of June. Starting July 1, 2024, our patient portal will no longer be available. At that time, you can utilize the AllinaHealth MyChart patient portal. If you are not an Allina patient, or have not set up access to the portal, you can contact Allina directly for further assistance.

General Questions

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

The requirements of your health insurance plan will determine if you need to obtain a referral to our office. Our staff may be able to determine this over the phone, but if you have any questions, it is best to contact your insurance company.

What should I bring to my appointment?

For your first visit, please bring:

• Driver’s license or photo ID
• Health insurance card
• Completed new patient forms
• Name and address of your primary care physician
• Relevant x-rays and/or test results
• Current medication list
• Names and addresses of other physicians to whom we should send a report
• Names and phone numbers of your preferred pharmacy and medical equipment company

How will my symptoms be evaluated?

You will be asked to complete a sleep questionnaire and sleep diary prior to your appointment. During your initial consultation, a physician will review your history, discuss your concerns and work with you to determine a treatment plan. If appropriate, an overnight sleep study may be ordered.

Why do I need to update my medication list at each visit?

The doctor needs to be aware of the medications you are currently taking in order to thoroughly evaluate your condition. This evaluation process includes reviewing all your medications, including medications prescribed by your primary physician and any other specialists you may be seeing.

Should my bed partner come to the appointment?

Bed partners are often valuable sources of information of what happens while you are asleep, and may provide insights that will assist the physician in your evaluation.

Will my primary care physician be informed of the results of my consultation?

Your primary and referring physician(s) will receive a letter detailing the results and recommendations from your consultation, including the result of any sleep testing that was done.

What if I am running late for my appointment?

Please call the office – (763) 452-3955 – to let us know if you will be running late and give us an estimate of your arrival time. We will make every effort to honor your appointment, but in some cases you may need to wait to be seen or reschedule.

What if I need to cancel my overnight sleep study appointment?

We understand that things do come up unexpectedly. Please try to contact our schedulers as soon as possible during regular business hours. Your confirmation letter has the after-hours phone number for your particular sleep lab site.

Who do I call if I have questions about my bill?

For billing, insurance and payment questions please call our Business Office at (952) 567-7409.