At Powerback, we offer Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) alongside a full suite of rehabilitation therapy services.
FEES-trained endoscopists use fiberoptic endoscopic instrumentation to inspect the functions of a patient’s upper airway and swallowing mechanism. Unlike a simple screening exam, FEES is a comprehensive assessment of the upper aerodigestive functions involved in swallowing.
The result? Precise diagnosis for superior patient care.
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a valuable tool for diagnosing the causes of swallowing difficulties and prescribing appropriate modifications to food and liquids. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a scope is passed through the patient's nose to image the throat as they swallow different foods and drinks. FEES is portable, sensitive, and safe, providing a clear view of the swallowing process.
The procedure lasts 15 minutes or less and can be performed in a treatment room or in the comfort of the patient’s own room. This convenience ensures minimal disruption to the resident’s routine while delivering accurate and essential diagnostic information.
A FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) referral may be helpful for someone exhibiting the following symptoms:
A FEES is not just for ruling out aspiration; it can also:
This evaluation may also be appropriate under the following conditions:
Powerback is one of the few rehab providers that offers FEES alongside comprehensive therapy services. We take pride in our competency and training program, which allows our teams to stay true to our mission of improving the lives we touch.
Speech-Language Pathologists at Powerback who want to become FEES Endoscopists undergo a detailed training program that includes CEUs and hands-on training with volunteers and patients. To maintain the integrity of our FEES program, we conduct in-person competency checks, auditing, and ongoing mentorship throughout their careers with Powerback Swallow Solutions.
At Powerback, we believe that our clinicians have a career-long commitment to learning, as technological advancements are ever-changing. To further support our clinicians, we provide quarterly educational calls as well as opportunities for CEUs and advanced skills training, ensuring they maintain their expertise beyond their initial FEES Training.
To view SLP career opportunities with Powerback, please visit our careers portal:
Get inspired with the newest success stories from Powerback Patients all across the country.
View All Success StoriesBefore arriving at her care center, Phyllis could not receive food or liquids by mouth. Instead, she required alternate means of hydration and nutrition through tube feedings, which greatly impacted her quality of life...
Sometimes, rediscovering the smallest pleasures can greatly impact patient success. After receiving orders to receive a feeding tube, Judith's most important goal in treatment was to be able to drink coffee again...
During hospitalization, Marc was diagnosed with pneumonia and received orders for a Modified Barium Swallowing study, resulting in recommendations to consume only honey-thick liquids and soft solids...
Joy is a social butterfly who experienced a sudden change in her voice, making communicating with other residents and staff difficult. Natalie, Joy's Powerback SLP, helped her to regain her ability to communicate effectively...
Get inspired with the newest success stories from Powerback Patients all across the country.
View All Success StoriesBefore arriving at her care center, Phyllis could not receive food or liquids by mouth. Instead, she required alternate means of hydration and nutrition through tube feedings, which greatly impacted her quality of life...
Sometimes, rediscovering the smallest pleasures can greatly impact patient success. After receiving orders to receive a feeding tube, Judith's most important goal in treatment was to be able to drink coffee again...
During hospitalization, Marc was diagnosed with pneumonia and received orders for a Modified Barium Swallowing study, resulting in recommendations to consume only honey-thick liquids and soft solids...
Joy is a social butterfly who experienced a sudden change in her voice, making communicating with other residents and staff difficult. Natalie, Joy's Powerback SLP, helped her to regain her ability to communicate effectively...
Powerback is a trusted name for comprehensive rehabilitation and wellness services.