FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What areas do you serve?

HCDD is available to cover San Antonio and the surrounding hill country, from San Marcos to Kerrville. If you are outside of these areas, please contact us and we will make our best effort to provide services to your facility or assist in finding services available to you.  

Who Is a candidate for FEES?

FEES can be completed on any patient with signs or symptoms of dysphagia without known nasal obstructions, facial fractures, or severe nose bleeds. FEES can be completed on patients with feeding tubes, trach/vent needs, dementia, medical complexity, and patients on isolation precautions.  

Do patients tolerate this type of procedure

Yes! Patients may experience mild discomfort during passage of the scope, but overall, patients tolerate the procedure extremely well!  

How can my facility gain access to your services?

 Please contact us via email or phone and we will set up a meeting with you and your facility Director to complete a signed contractual agreement. 

Will RGVMDD provide the foods/liquids for the procedure?

No. Unless otherwise discussed prior to procedure, the facility’s SLP will provide the liquids and solids they would like to be trialed during FEES. Medications can also be assessed during FEES.   

How does my patient get billed for the procedure?

This procedure is considered a speech-language pathology service. All therapy services fall under the Consolidated Billing rules as of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The facility will be responsible for payment to Hill Country Dysphagia Diagnostics directly for the procedure per CMS guidelines.  The facility then bills the patient's insurance for reimbursement. Additionally, if HCDD is unable to view the patient’s vocal folds, the facility will not be charged for the procedure.