VFSS / FEES in NICU, ListServ Summary, Jan 2026
Rehab administrators answer questions regarding FEES and VFSS. IPRC archives information collected by the Pediatric Rehab Administrator’s ListServ as a public service to the entire Pediatric Rehabilitation Community. All information is posted in summary format and has been de-identified. Search through past queries for responses to rehabilitation related questions.
Original Questions:
Instrumental assessments in NICU
- In general, if had to guess a percentage, how many NICU babies receive some type of instrumental assessment of the swallow during their NICU stay?
- Do you perform modified barium swallow studies (VFSS) on infants during their NICU admission?
- How often, and on approximately how many infants?
- Do you perform FEES in the NICU? How often, and on approximately how many infants?
- Does SLP pass the scope or ENT scope?
- Does your SLP team have a preference for FEES vs. VFSS, or do you use both?
- Is there a standard of care or algorithm guiding which study is done when?
Management Following Instrumental Assessment:
- For infants who demonstrate aspiration, do you use any thickening agents (e.g., Gelmix, cereal) within the NICU?
- If not using thickeners, does aspiration on instrumental assessment typically lead to a recommendation for GT placement?
- For infants who are not yet able to safely take full PO at discharge, are more being discharged with NGTs or GTs at your institution?
Summary of Responses (de-identified)
