How can FEES help?
Improve QOL
Inaccurate treatment of dysphagia which enforce restrictive diets can have serious repercussions on an individual’s quality of life
Maximize patient comfort and safety with eating and drinking
FEES is performed in the patient’s natural eating environment
No unpleasant barium taste
The patient may be in bed or any position desired for the exam
Can be performed in a conservative manner to assess saliva management and gain essential information of swallow pathophysiology
This allows for therapy intervention sooner for patients with severe to profound swallowing impairment
Reduce Costs
One-time flat charge, with no hidden costs.
Ask us about our billing process and how your facility can be reimbursed
FEES is about 1/4th the cost of sending a patient to the hospital for an MBS
no missed therapy minutes
On-site evaluation - no transportation costs or travel fees or radiology expenses
Reduce unnecessary thickened liquid use
Reduce reliance on tube feeding and additional nursing care
Increase Productivity
Physician does not need to be present
Less wait time, no need to coordinate with radiology
We come to the patient’s bedside
no missed therapy minutes
Treating SLP can assist with the procedure and bill CPT code 92526 during the exam
On-site physician can bill CPT code 92613 for interpretation of FEES results
Immediate results and same day report with pertinent pictures
Practical reasons for FEES
The patient may eat their preferred foods, no barium added!
No radiation exposure or time constraints.
Can be performed in a natural eating environment, sitting upright or alternatively in bed
Can be completed over the duration of a meal.
This is key if there is concern for fatigue affecting swallow safety over time
Can be completed with ventilator dependent patients or other medically fragile patients who are unable to transport to radiology suite
Can be completed in isolation rooms
Can be performed with bariatric patients