Information for Physicians

At InScope Mobile Diagnostics, we require a written referral from a licensed physician to initiate services. As a Fee-for-Service company, we can bill insurance with a Letter of Authorization (LOA) in place, signed by an authorized representative. Please note that arrangements for insurance billing should be made in advance. Ensure these documents are provided to proceed with our services.

Benefits of On-Site Swallowing Assessments

Costs

  • Usually <1/3 Hospital Costs including travel
  • Medicare reimbursement of FEES is higher than VFSS (typically)

Time

  • 20-minute instrumental procedure at resident’s bedside
  • Completed report on-site within 24 hours
  • No travel time for patient
  • Your patients wont miss other important therapies like OT and PT
  • Comprehensive reports with color photos and video upon requests within 24 hours

Medicare Will Cover

  • Staff SLP study prep time with endoscopist
  • Staff SLP counts education/therapy time with her patient
  • Physician captures their consult time

Convenience

  • Appointment fits Staff SLPs schedule
  • Study completed at resident’s bedside or during an office visit or where facility requests
  • FEES completed within 48 hours of initial referral time (excluding weekends and holidays)

WHAT DO WE DO?

  • FEES is an instrumental examination performed by a qualified and licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP).
  • Typically, FEES is ordered by a physician whose patient presents with dysphagia (a swallowing disorder). FEES is a reliable instrumental examination that provides a comprehensive assessment of the upper aerodigestive functions of swallowing.
  • FEES assess anatomical structures involved in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, assesses physiology and sensation of those anatomical structures within the pharynx, aids in the assessment of secretions severity and secretion management, provides direct-assessment of swallowing of food and liquid, and assesses the response to therapeutic maneuvers and interventions designed to improve swallow physiology.
  • Mobile services available statewide.

Why Use FEES Instead of MBSS?

  • Mobile FEES exams examine physiological swallow characteristics like swallow efficiency and airway protection without leaving the patient’s room!
  • 
  • A clinician is able to evaluate a patient while voicing, performing non-speech tasks, as well as eating and drinking different liquids and solids.

        In addition, a clinician can: 


  • View the larynx in detail 

  • View secretion management 

  • View velopharyngeal tissue health, closure,
  • mechanics, and competency 

  • View the hypopharynx tissue health and mechanics

  • View laryngeal tissue health and mechanics

  • View structural symmetry

  • View activation of pharyngeal walls 

  • View whether cervical spine health
  • is impacting the swallow

  • View reflexive and voluntary cough


  • Identify lesions

  • The staff SLP can request the use of compensatory strategies and get real time feedback.

  • The patient and patient’s family can ask questions and

        discuss the exam with endoscopist and staff clinician.


  • The patient is included in therapy and diet decisions within minutes of exam completion.

WHAT WE DO

Endoscopy with Stroboscopy

This is an instrumental assessment of voice and voice disorders. Stroboscopy is typically ordered by a physician whose patients present with difficulty with vocal quality. Stroboscopy is a reliable instrumental examination that provides a comprehensive assessment of the larynx, true vocal folds including their vibratory characteristics. Mobile services are available outside Reno, NV area only.

WHAT DO WE DO

Nasendoscopy

Nasendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to directly visualize the nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. A thin, flexible fiberoptic endoscope is gently passed through the nose after topical anesthesia may be applied to improve comfort. The procedure allows real-time assessment of anatomical structures and functional movements during breathing, phonation, and swallowing. It is commonly used to evaluate voice, airway, resonance, and swallowing disorders and is well tolerated by most patients.