Scheduling a FEES
This guide provides step-by-step instructions in order to complete scheduling for a Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), including what to expect on the day of the evaluation. The accompanying documents include the physician order form and a list of the supplies your facility will need to have available for the examination.
If you have questions about whether a patient may be an appropriate candidate for a FEES evaluation, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone, text, or email. We are always happy to discuss your patient's needs and help determine the most appropriate course of care.
Explaining FEES to your patients, providers, and administrators.
Explaining a FEES Evaluation to Your Patient
One of the best ways to improve patient participation and reduce anxiety during a FEES evaluation is to provide a simple, honest explanation of the purpose of the exam, what the patient can expect, and the overall goal of the assessment.
1. Explain Why the Evaluation Is Being Performed
Begin by helping the patient understand the reason for the examination.
"We have some concerns about how you're swallowing, so we'd like to take a closer look at what's happening. This evaluation allows us to directly see how your throat works when you swallow so we can determine the safest and most effective treatment plan for you."
Providing the clinical rationale helps patients understand that the procedure is an important diagnostic tool rather than simply another test.
2. Explain What Will Happen During the Evaluation
Next, describe the procedure in clear, reassuring language.
"We'll place a very small flexible camera into one nostril so we can look at the back of your throat. The camera doesn't go far—it stays just above your voice box. During the evaluation, we'll have you eat and drink a variety of foods and liquids that have been colored with a small amount of food coloring so we can clearly watch how you swallow."
Using simple, non-technical language helps reduce uncertainty and sets appropriate expectations.
3. Set Honest Expectations
Patients appreciate transparency. Acknowledge that the procedure may feel unusual while reassuring them that it should not be painful.
"The most uncomfortable part is usually when the camera first passes through the nose. It may feel a little strange or cause your eyes to water, but it should not be painful. Once the camera is in position, most patients tolerate the remainder of the evaluation very well, and we'll work efficiently to make you as comfortable as possible."
Setting realistic expectations often reduces anxiety and builds trust.
4. End With the Shared Goal
Finish by emphasizing that the evaluation is being performed to improve the patient's quality of life.
"Our goal is to help you eat and drink the foods and beverages you enjoy while keeping you as safe as possible. The information we gather today will help us make the best recommendations for your care."
When patients understand the purpose of the evaluation and recognize that you are working toward a shared goal, they are often more relaxed, cooperative, and engaged throughout the FEES procedure.
Resources for FEES Reports
We are frequently asked about the information included in our FEES reports, so we have developed these resources to help explain the objective measures and clinical findings you will see in each report.
Our reports include validated objective measures, organized in easy-to-read tables, along with a comprehensive narrative summarizing the evaluation findings and clinical recommendations. Each resource below explains one of the validated measures we use, including what it assesses, how it is interpreted, and how the information can be used to guide clinical decision-making and optimize patient care.