Swallowing Studies for Dysphagia

Medicare covers videofluoroscopic Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) studies for patients with dysphagia when there is documented pharyngeal dysfunction or risk of aspiration and when a prior clinical (noninstrumental) exam shows unresolved swallowing problems. Coverage requires medical necessity, performance as a collaborative study involving a speech-language pathologist and a radiologist, and reimbursement is limited to specified places of service; mobile or nontraditional settings (SNF, nursing home, home) have safety concerns and require physician presence or further review.

"Instrumental assessment of swallowing (videofluoroscopic Modified Barium Swallow, MBS) is covered for patients with dysphagia who have documented pharyngeal dysfunction or are at risk for aspiration."

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