Policy Number: SRP 092
Policy Name: Snoring and Snoring ENT referrals
Status: Snoring – Not Funded
Status: Snoring ENT referrals – Group Prior Approval
Effective Date: 1 April 2024
Next Review Date: 1 April 2026
Snoring
Mid and South Essex ICB do not fund procedures for snoring where this is the sole problem. This relates to surgical procedures and related treatments in adults to remove, refashion or stiffen the tissues of the soft palate.
Surgical interventions and related treatments for snoring will not be funded: Such interventions include, but may not be limited to, the following:
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UP3 or UPPP)
Laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Soft palate implants
If associated with sleep apnoea – see SRP 169 Sleep Studies Policy
This service/procedure has been assessed as a Low Clinical Priority by MSE ICB and will not be funded unless there are exceptional clinical circumstances.
Snoring ENT referrals
In circumstances where a cancer is suspected, the 2 Week Wait referral process should be used.
A referral for an assessment to exclude other sinister pathology will be funded when all the following conservative measures have been tried prior to referral.
- Weight reduction if BMI is over 35.
- Use of therapies such as nasal sprays or strips.
- Use of ear plugs whilst asleep.
- Reduction of evening alcohol if relevant.
- Stop smoking.
- Self-training to alter their sleep position to avoid lying on their back. Please indicate in any referral, how the patient has altered sleep position.
- Use of a mandibular device (not funded by the NHS).
See also Septoplasty, Facial Aesthetic-Rhinoplasty and Snoring policies.
Patients not meeting the above criteria will not be funded unless there are clinically exceptional circumstances.
Individual funding requests should only be made where the patient demonstrates clinical exceptionality.
Find out more information on applying for funding in exceptional clinical circumstances.