Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about FEES evaluations, scheduling, billing, and what your facility needs to get started.
For Facilities & Clinicians
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing is a gold-standard instrumental examination where a small, flexible endoscope is passed through the nose to directly view swallowing function. It allows accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment planning — all at the patient’s bedside.
FEES is performed bedside at your facility (no hospital transport), uses no radiation or barium, costs about 1/4 of an MBSS, delivers results within 24 hours instead of weeks, and tests the patient with real food in their natural environment.
Within 1–3 business days of referral.
Just the patient and a physician’s order for “FEES to rule out aspiration and assess swallowing.” We bring all equipment, food, supplies, and documentation.
FEES is covered by Medicare and nearly all private insurances. Your facility pays a flat fee directly to CA Mobile FEES, then bills the patient’s insurance for reimbursement. For Medicare Part A, it falls under consolidated billing. For Part B, FEES is billed under CPT code 92612, and dysphagia evaluation (92610) and therapy (92526) can be billed the same day. Contact us for pricing details.
Reports are delivered within 24 hours of the evaluation, including high-quality color images, clinical impressions, diet recommendations, therapy suggestions, and referral recommendations.
Yes. Before the procedure, we discuss the patient’s history and your SLP’s concerns. Your SLP is present during the evaluation and assists with feeding. We collaborate on the care plan and are available for ongoing support.
Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. We’re open to serving additional areas by arrangement — contact us to discuss.
Yes. We offer in-services, lunch & learn sessions, and dysphagia education for nursing staff at contracted facilities.
For Patients & Families
Most patients report minimal to no discomfort. The endoscope is very thin and flexible. A light lubricant and decongestant are applied to the nose before the procedure.
Typically 15–30 minutes.
Yes. Research shows complications are extremely rare (less than 1%) with minimal discomfort. FEES uses no radiation.
Yes. FEES is commonly performed on patients with PEG tubes, NG tubes, tracheostomies, and those on ventilators.
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Have more questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about FEES, scheduling, billing, or how to get started with CA Mobile FEES.