A picture is worth a thousand words

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing also known as FEES is a swallowing evaluation completed by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist using a flexible endoscope which is passed through the nose to allow viewing of the pharyngeal and laryngeal structures. The swallowing process is observed and evaluated as the patient is given various food and liquid textures to swallow throughout the exam.

FEES is a research based, ASHA recognized procedure that has consistently provided sensitivity equal to or greater than Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) study in assessing the anatomy and pathophysiology of the swallow. Research shows that clinical bedside swallow evaluations have a 70% false positive rate in diagnosing dysphagia. Clinical bedside exams are simply a screening tool and we do not have x-ray vision to diagnose and treat what we cannot see. FEES is an objective, real-time assessment which allows us to accurately diagnose, treat and provide recommendations for swallowing disorders. FEES is mobile and can be completed in a patients natural eating environment without the use of barium or radiation. It is a cost effective and about a 1/4 of the cost of sending a patient from a skilled nursing facility to a hospital to have a Modified Barium Swallow study done.