Practice and Advocacy
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Examinations of Swallowing
Fiberoptic endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that may be performed by qualified health care providers (upon direct authorization of a physician) to evaluate velopharyngeal, phonatory, and swallowing functions in adults and children. Physicians are the only professionals qualified and licensed to render medical diagnoses related to the identification of pathology affecting swallowing functions.
Consequently, examinations should be viewed and interpreted by an otolaryngologist or other physician with training in this procedure. In addition, otolaryngologists or other physicians with training in fiberoptic endoscopy should supervise non-physician professionals who are performing this procedure.
Fiberoptic endoscopy may also be utilized as a therapeutic aid and biofeedback tool during the conduct of swallowing therapy. Care should be taken to use this examination only in settings that ensure patient safety.
Approved March, 2003
Modified 3/6/06
Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician and are developed to enhance the physicians' ability to practice evidence-based medicine.
Important Notice
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. and Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Policy Statements are guidelines only. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of an indicator for a procedure, and/or of the process or outcome criteria, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these guidelines will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. The AAO-HNS emphasizes that these policies should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.
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Calendar more...
- 80th Midwinter Conference Research Study Club of Los Angeles (02/10/12)
- AAO-HNSF Coding & Reimbursement Workshop (02/17/12)
- 18th Annual Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea and Snoring (02/17/12)
- UC Irvine CME Courses: Ultrasound Course, Injectable Fillers & Neurotoxins Course, and Advanced Rhinology Course (02/23/12)
- Penn International Rhinology and Skull Base Course (03/08/12)
Business of Medicine Workshops
Workshops held in cities nationwide will help otolaryngologists, their staff, and other healthcare professionals code correctly, learn risk reduction strategies, and organize business systems.
