Mobile FEES
Currently based out of Bastrop, Texas but servicing the Greater Austin and Central Texas Area
Flexible
Endoscopic
Evaluation
of
Swallowing
What’s the What with FEES?
What is it?
FEES stands for ‘flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing’, it is a fiberoptic endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy assessment with video and picture imaging to screen soft tissue findings of larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat) and UES for the evaluation of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
What is the goal?
The goal of imaging is to functionally and objectively evaluate an individual’s swallow safety and efficiency to determine aspiration risk, and determine liquid and/or solid diet recommendation options related to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative - IDDSI). This evaluation can also screen laryngeal function to generate specialty referrals (ENT, GI, etc). Additionally, I educate risk benefit analysis, safe swallow strategies, pillars related to aspiration, appropriate precautions, and maneuver/postural compensatory strategies in order to develop an individualized plan related to each person’s general goals of care. Whether you center your goals of care for medical rehabilitation or holistically comfort measures geared for a more quality of life based treatment approach, I can cater my recommendations to your particular plan of care goals and desires.
What happens?
A lubricated 3.4 mm endoscope is placed in either patient’s left or right nares, passed back via the lower nasal turbinate floor, through the velopharyngeal port, and rests in the back of your pharynx near the posterior pharyngeal wall. This allows us to see the voice box or larynx from a ‘birds eye’ or superior view. The duration of procedure is usually 10-20 minutes maybe longer. We will screen laryngeal function, evaluate liquid and solid consistencies in alignment with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). Trial thickened liquids or maneuvers if in alignment with your goals.
Will it hurt?
A FEES can cause some discomfort with the passing of the scope. The level of discomfort varies upon nasal anatomy, blockages, nasal passage dryness. If pain is experienced with a resident at a facility, we may be able to apply some light nasal numbness spray pending further discussion with medical providers on site. Private paying patients who have sensitive nasal passages should consult with their primary care provider prior to booking evaluation to acquire nasal lidocaine spray
What are the billable SLP procedure codes used?
Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES): Code 92612
Sensory testing (FEEST): Code 92616
Learn more from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the certificate of clinical competence (CCC-SLP) as it relates to FEES in the link below.
Where will this occur?
This procedure is mobile. I can can bring the endoscopy suit to you! We will meet at your house, facility, or at my home. I am considering finding a local clinic in Bastrop I can practice out of one day a week.
What to expect in the Diagnostic report writing?
Gold Standard dysphagia documentation guaranteed. Kelsey Day is a huge inspiration after taking multiple of her continuous education units. All FEES scopes are made from Optim and will be documented through TIMS Medical reporting software, which allows picture still images throughout, with standardized dysphagia diagnostic scores (DIGEST, PAS, RFS, etc.), personalized recommendations for diet, compensatory strategies, referrals, treatment exercises and more!
Our FEES Powered by the best:
About My Service
Hello, my name is Moira Gallagher and I am a licensed speech language pathologist in the state of Texas who created the Holistic Healing SLP LLC.
My intention for this company is to offer the community mobile speech, language, voice, and dysphagia diagnostic evaluation service through independent contracting, private pay, and some exceptions for Medicaid. I am currently available to serve Austin including it's diversely beautiful surrounding communities! I am primarily based in Bastrop.
I am dedicated to provide efficient evidence based mobile Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in your facility, at the patient's bedside, or privately in the comfort of their own home!
I can conduct FEES in acute care hospital, inpatient rehab, long-term acute care, skilled nursing, ENT practice settings, outpatient clinics, and independent home health settings.
I would love to partner with more physicians and clinicians within local facilities, to bring timely, reliable, and cost-effective dysphagia diagnostics to their patients!
Experience
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I was trained and educated to be an expert in the diagnosis of dysphagia. I personally have only worked in acute care and specialized in dysphagia diagnostics and treatment approaches related to populations such as strokes, progressive neurological disorders, cardio-pulmonary illness, tracheostomy, ventilation, oncology, geriatrics, neck surgery, and laryngeal pathologies.
I initially received my FEES training from the Carolina Speech Pathology group in 2021 and have been expanding my practice with FEES greatly the last few years.
Let’s Take the
Deep Dive Together!
Interested in scheduling a Mobile FEES?
If you are an outpatient SLP, facility, or medical office, please fill out the referral form below to get in touch for scheduling!
We can't wait to hear from you!