Mobile FEES: The Gold Standard in Swallowing Diagnostics
What is FEES?
FEES is an acronym for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. It is an instrumental examination performed by a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist. A thin, flexible endoscope is gently passed through the nose to directly view the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box) from above while the patient eats and drinks real food in their natural environment. If needed, compensatory strategies and/or swallowing maneuvers are trialed in an effort to improve swallow safety and efficiency. FEES provides real-time, high-definition video of swallowing function — allowing for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment planning.
Bedside Procedure
Performed at the patient’s location with the Atmos Scope HD. No hospital transport required.
Real Food Testing
Patients are evaluated eating their actual food and drink in their normal eating position. No barium-coated substitutes.
Safe for Complex Patients
Appropriate for bariatric patients, medically fragile patients, those on ventilators, and patients with feeding tubes.
No Radiation
Unlike modified barium swallow studies, FEES uses no radiation and no barium contrast.
Reports Within 24 Hours
Detailed clinical reports with high-quality color images, diet recommendations, therapy suggestions, and referral recommendations.
Repeatable
FEES can be repeated as often as needed to track progress and adjust treatment. No cumulative radiation concerns.
What We Bring
We arrive fully equipped. Your facility provides nothing but the patient.
FEES vs. Hospital MBSS
| Feature | Mobile FEES CA Mobile FEES | Hospital MBSS |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Patient’s bedside at your facility | Hospital radiology department |
| Scheduling | Within 1–3 business days | Often 3+ months |
| Transport Cost | $0 | $900–$1,700 per trip |
| Radiation | None | Yes |
| Barium Required | No | Yes |
| Food Used | Patient’s real food | Barium-coated food |
| Staffing Required | CA Mobile FEES SLP only | Radiologist + rad tech + hospital SLP + possibly RT/nurse |
| Results | Within 24 hours | Up to 72 hours for official report from SLP & radiologist |
| SLP Productivity | Treating SLP can bill same day | Lost therapy time during transport |
| Repeat Studies | Easy — no cumulative radiation | Additional scheduling + radiation exposure |
Clinically Proven. Evidence-Based.
agreement between FEES and MBSS for detecting aspiration
Leder et al., 1998
FEES is more sensitive to residue detection than MBSS
Pisegna & Langmore, 2016
of nursing home residents could tolerate higher-level diets after instrumental assessment
Groher & McKaig, 1995
What FEES Can Assess
Who We Serve
Service Area
Bring Mobile FEES to Your Facility
Schedule a free consultation to learn how CA Mobile FEES can support your patients and clinical team.