Mobile FEES swallow studies in Ohio
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is done at the bedside in your skilled nursing, short-term rehab, long-term care, inpatient rehab, or assisted living facility. Your team gets answers on the same day, with no transport and no radiation.
What happens during a FEES study
A trained SLP endoscopist gently passes a thin, flexible endoscope through the nose to just above the throat. The resident then eats and drinks real foods and liquids, often from their own meal tray, while we record the swallow on video.
We watch for penetration and aspiration (including silent aspiration), pharyngeal residue, secretion management, and laryngeal and pharyngeal anatomy. We also see in real time how postures and strategies change swallow safety.
The facility SLP is encouraged to take part. Together we make decisions about diet, liquids, and strategies at the bedside.
FEES is often the right choice when a resident…
- Is suspected of aspirating or has airway invasion
- Has had recurrent pneumonia or a respiratory decline
- Needs a diet upgrade or downgrade decision
- Has a tracheostomy or is ventilator-dependent
- Has poor oral intake or weight loss
- Has had a change in swallowing status
- Can’t easily travel for, or tolerate, a modified barium swallow
- Needs visual biofeedback to guide treatment
Benefits of FEES for skilled nursing facilities
No transport required
Residents stay in their own rooms. You avoid ambulette costs, staff escorts, missed meals and therapy, and hospital exposure.
No radiation or barium
Studies can be repeated as residents progress, using the foods they actually eat.
Same-day clinical answers
Diet and strategy decisions are made at the bedside. The written report follows the same day or within 48 business hours.
Real-time staff education
SLPs, nurses, and family members can watch the swallow live, which makes recommendations easier to understand and follow.
Documentation you can use
You get objective findings for care plans, MDS documentation, and physician communication.
No surprises
There are no cancellation fees and no minimums, and there is no charge if the study can’t be completed.
Where we perform FEES
We bring a fully self-contained mobile endoscopy setup to facilities across Ohio, including:
Skilled nursing
SNF residents, including trach and vent patients.
Short-term rehabilitation
Post-hospital rehab stays, where early answers matter most under PDPM.
Long-term care
Long-stay residents with a change in swallowing status.
Inpatient rehab
Inpatient rehabilitation patients who need instrumental answers fast.
Assisted living
Residents whose eating or drinking has changed.
Weighing your options? Read FEES vs. modified barium swallow (MBS).
Ready to bring FEES to your building?
Ask about adding your building, or book an in-service for your rehab team.