FAQ page
What is FEES, and how does it differ from a traditional "Barium Swallow"? - FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) uses a thin, flexible endoscope to view the swallow from within the pharynx. Unlike a MBSS (Modified Barium Swallow Study), FEES involves no radiation, uses real food/liquids rather than barium, and can be performed at the bedside in under 20 minutes.
Is the procedure painful for the patient? - Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. We use a high-definition, ultra-slim endoscope designed for maximum comfort. No general anesthesia is required, and the patient remains fully awake and interactive throughout the evaluation.
Facility & Logistics - What do we need to provide for the study?
Very little! We are a fully "turn-key" service. We bring all necessary endoscopy equipment and the recording equipment. We only ask for a small space at the patient’s bedside and access to the patient's current diet (if we are testing specific facility meals).
How quickly do we receive the results? - Immediately. We provide a verbal consultation to the attending SLP or nursing staff as soon as the scope is removed. A formal, comprehensive digital report including high-resolution images and treatment recommendations is typically delivered within 24 hours.
Are you HIPAA compliant? - Absolutely. We use encrypted, medical-grade software for all video storage and report transmission. Patient privacy and data security are our highest priorities.
Is a physician’s order required? - Yes. Like any diagnostic imaging procedure, a physician’s order for "FEES" or "Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing" is required before we can perform the study.
What happens if the patient is a high-risk swallow? - Safety is our specialty. Because we can see the airway with such high clarity, we can stop a trial the moment "silent aspiration" is detected—often before the patient would even cough. This makes FEES one of the safest ways to evaluate a fragile patient.
What is your service area? - We are a locally owned company serving Kansas and Western Missouri. Because we are local, we can often accommodate urgent "Next-Day" evaluation requests to help with discharge planning or acute changes in status.