Approximately 14 million Americans have speech and language disorders and 15 million suffer from a swallowing disorder, according to health care professionals at Marion Regional Healthcare System. The Marion County system is now equipped with the digital swallowing workstation which includes fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Until now, this break-through technology was available only in the state’s larger medical facilities, the press release said, with patients traveling to Charleston, Greenville or out of state for the exam.
The FEES procedure allows a speech pathologist to view the actual structures associated with swallowing during the act of swallowing. The test will help the technician determine any problem's source and assist the physician in developing a plan of treatment. According to Tracy Lambert, MSP, CCC-SLP, a certified speech pathologist with MRHS, “It’s a simple procedure that does not require radiation or sedation. It is appropriate for most patients.”
“Communication and swallowing disorders affect people of all ages. Individuals may be born with an impairment or they may have acquired it from illness, accident or injury. This is an excellent tool that will help throughout the course of treatment," Lamber said. The FEES test is covered by most insurances and Medicare, but not by Medicaid.
To determine if FEES can help you, contact your primary care physician, or call the Speech Pathology Department at MRHS at (843) 431-2000. MRHS seeks to provides the best in medical technology and is home to some of the area’s most advanced medical equipment and is off U.S. Highway 76, between Mullins and Marion.
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