We offer FEES services at approximately half of the cost of modified barium swallow studies and at a rate that is below the national average. Your residents and their family members can also save transportation costs as the evaluation is brought right to them. Completing timely and appropriate swallowing evaluations can also save costs on thickened liquids, costs associated with residents developing pneumonia, and can reduce 30-day rehospitalization rates.

Modified barium swallow studies at the hospitals are exceeding wait times of 4 months! This is costing you crucial time when you could be working towards rehabilitating your patients’ swallowing function. Our goal is to complete exams within 1-2 days of receiving the orders, but we can guarantee exams will be completed within a week. Emergency same-day evaluations and weekend appointments can also be completed as needed.

At SOMSAS, we incorporate validated measures and scales to increase the overall objectivity of our exams. Since we don’t have the limitations of radiation exposure, we will trial various food/liquid consistencies, compensatory strategies, postural adjustments, and swallowing exercises to find what works best for your patients. In addition to clear reports highlighting the anatomy and physiology contributing to swallowing impairment, the facility SLP will also be provided with the exam recording for later reference.

We strongly believe in working closely with our facility SLPs to provide your residents with the highest level of care. We are happy to modify our exam to answer any questions you may have to optimize swallowing interventions. Facility SLPs may also bill for treatment while the scope is outside of the nose. Our endoscopist is available to the SLPs we serve with any dysphagia management support they require. Additionally, all facility SLPs will be granted continuing education and professional development opportunities through regional speech-language and hearing association membership. This is our gift to you!