Frequently Asked Questions

• Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing 
• An instrumental assessment used to assist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in determining cause, severity, and treatment of swallow impairments 
• A procedure in which a small endoscope is easily passed through the nasal passage to visualize the patient's airway while they eat and drink
• An accessible tool for helping SLPs determine appropriate, least restrictive, diet textures for their patients at the bedside

• Quick response (Completion of test within 24-48 hours of receiving order)
• Comprehensive diagnostic report is written on-site and placed in chart the same day
• Isolation-precaution friendly procedure
• Full-color HD videography
• Allows actual food and drink use (no barium)
• Ability to assess without PO trials for patients with secretion management concerns
• Realistic patient positioning
• No time limitations as no radiation exposure is needed
• Observation of patient fatigue over the course of a meal as there is no time limit
• More sensitive to aspiration than MBS based on empirical research 
• Reimbursable

• FEES is portable and can be brought to the patient's bedside
• FEES is especially indicated in patients with tracheostomies, who have spinal cord injuries, or who have bariatric restrictions.
• FEES is cost effective for facilities as there are no radiology or barium associated charges, and does not require transportation out of the facility which is costly to productivity and resources. 
• FEES allows direct visualization of the nasopharynx and larynx which can be helpful for patients with voice concerns in addition to swallowing concerns.
  
  Bottom line: FEES and MBS are both gold standard swallow evaluations - bring access to BOTH at your facility. Indications for FEES v MBS are based on each patient's individual needs. Give your patient's and SLPs access to the appropriate imaging they need to achieve better outcomes! Add FEES to your facility's patient services. 

Send us an email at contact@bostondysphagia.com with the subject line FEES AT MY FACILITY and your facility name in the body of the email to get started.