Billing/reimbursement

The problem with Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS)

When comparing MBSS (Modified Barium Swallow Study) to FEES, the cost/benefit ratio really speaks for itself. Depending on your location:

1. The average price for an MBSS is around $1400-$1700. Taking away the 20% cost of Medicare Part B transportation (as well as subtracting the radiology charges), your facility can be responsible for around $900.
2. As well, while the patient is being transported and out of your facility, they must have someone with them, and there are a variety of potential problems that may occur during the transportation. Complicating that is the fact that your productivity levels are negatively affected when the patient is out of your facility (which affects your RUGs).
3. Finally, a patient who is given in MBSS in the hospital (and who subsequently stabilizes and is discharged back to the facility) is often placed on a restrictive or nectar-thick diet. However, because the patient is not given a diagnostic test before returning to your facility, they may remain needlessly on a nectar-thick diet, which can cost your facility upwards of $7,000 per year, per resident!

One simple FEES procedure that can remove your patient's dietary restrictions not only increases their quality of life but also reduces the costs to your facility!

THE SOLUTION WITH FEES

At Florida Voice and Swallowing Diagnostics, we can combat all of these issues (which lower the quality of life of your patients and raise the costs of your facility) by providing bedside swallowing diagnostics as well as evaluating a variety of compensatory strategies to ensure your patients are enjoying the highest quality of life they are able to now and in the future. To this end:

1. We charge one low, flat fee, regardless of payor/payors!
2. Because your patients do not need to be transported out of your facility, and due to Consolidated Billing, your treating SLP can also bill their therapy code the same day, so there is no loss of productivity (or lowered RUGs).
3. Because no radioactivity or radioactive substances are used with FEES, we are happy to have your medical team or family members in the room during treatment, so we can make sure that our recommendations are doable for your facility. At the same time, we are also able to evaluate a variety of compensatory strategies to provide your patients with a variety of help.
4. Because FEES falls under the SLP's scope of practice, your facility can also bill out on your monthly UB92, where you may be able to recoup a majority of Part B and private insurance.
5. We use your patient's normal food, liquid or medication during the study and are able to provide our diagnostic services in a functional, normal setting. This can be greatly stress-reducing to patients who may have difficulty in new locations or being transported out of familiar surroundings.

Because nothing is more comforting than someone familiar holding your patient's hand, we are more than happy to allow anyone to be present during the procedure!

The solution with Florida Voice and Swallowing Diagnostics

We are happy to work with your facility to assist you with any billing or reimbursement questions! As per medicare standards, our service agreements are non-binding and non-exclusive, meaning you are still able to send your patients anywhere you choose for diagnostic services, or you are free to use Florida Voice and Swallowing Diagnostics for a more quick and convenient service. We are often able to provide appointments within 48 hours of receiving the medical order for the FEES/Videostroboscopy! We speak English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Swedish, and though our reports and documentation are all written in English, we are happy to translate anything into these languages for your patients or their families. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!