Dysphagia / Swallowing Assessment | Carter Speech Pathology

Peace of mind about eating and drinking

Swallow assessment in your home

We will never share your information

Confidence

A professional swallow assessment gives you confidence about your eating and drinking – no more guesswork.

Convenience

We come to you: service is given in your own home without a hospital waitlist.

Personalized Service

You are working with the same SLP start to finish.

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

“Nathan is a professional and great at what he does. Would wholeheartedly recommend his services!”

J.C. Google Review

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

“[…] his warmth and genuine care and compassion shine through in his interactions — which is rare in someone with his level of efficiency, knowledge, and additional professional certifications.”

Reena Parhar Clinical Practice Lead
Fraser Health Authority

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

What a family-member of another client has said: “Nathan, thank you so much for your help and encouragement. I think we both have a renewed faith now that things will get better. […] I have told my friends how helpful and professional you are. Hopefully they will contact you if they ever need speech therapy.”

Marje B.A client’s partner

Why Carter Speech Pathology?

“I am very happy with the speech therapy provided for my son. My son enjoys the sessions even though he’s challenged to work hard.”

Jean Wutke

Advanced FEES course:
SA Swallowing Services (Dr. J. Ashford)

Registered SLP

ILP certified

12+ years experience

FAQ

What is involved in a swallowing assessment?

We offer basic and advanced endoscopic swallow tests. The basic exam includes an interview about the history of the problem, testing of the muscles and nerves involved in swallowing, food trials including a variety of fluids and solids textures, and a full report with recommendations for any swallow exercises, safe swallowing strategies or diet texture changes that could improve your situation.

An advanced exam (also called FEES) includes everything in the basic exam but also includes flexible endoscopy, where a flexible camera is used to view the entrance to the airway, the entrance to the esophagus, and the throat while you are eating and drinking. Problems with aspiration (food or fluids going into the airway) are identified. This advanced exam provides the highest degree of confidence about the mechanics and safety of your swallowing.

Can I talk to an SLP for free?

Yes! We’d be happy to talk with you, find out what you need and determine whether swallow assessment would be of value to you. There is no obligation. We will have a speech pathologist contact you directly by email or by phone.

Is the cost covered by MSP?

No – the service is a private one and so does not qualify for coverage under MSP. But much like for private physiotherapy or massage therapy, extended health plans will often provide some level of coverage for speech pathology services. It is worth checking with your extended health provider to see whether the cost of a swallow assessment can be offset with coverage you already have. Publicly-funded options for endoscopic swallow assessment services are available through hospitals, but none of them provide a mobile service in your home and most will have a waitlist.

Is it expensive?

This is a subjective question that depends on how much you value you place on the outcome. We charge $295 for a basic assessment, and $595 for an advanced, endoscopic assessment which requires more time and a specialist SLP for analysis. Your exam includes a full report with recommendations, which will be reviewed with you and sent on to any relevant health-care providers. About one-third of the cost for the advanced endoscopic assessment cost goes to cover the Ambu RhinoSlim endoscope, the food used for testing, and other supplies. It is our intention that the time and money you commit to a swallow assessment will lead to decreased worry and improved health. For some people stuck on restrictive diet textures, an assessment will give them confidence that they can return to a more normal diet and the pleasures that go along with it — we consider these things to be of high value.

Because we eliminate your need for travel and parking by providing a fully mobile service in your home, there is a per-km charge ($0.50) and a travel rate (one-third of hourly rate) for your speech pathologist’s travel time to come see you. Our hourly rates are not considered high for SLP services in BC and are similar to the rates for many tradespeople.

What are the risks?

Both basic and advanced swallow tests are considered low or minimal risk procedures. The main risk in the endoscopic test is that it feels strange to have a camera passed through the nose, no matter how thin the camera is (ours is very thin at about 3 mm). There is a low (1/1000) risk of a nose bleed and a lower risk of a fainting/vasovagal response (1/2500). Most people (ourselves included) report it just feels a strange but also very interesting when we review the video together.