Pediatric Swallowing Treament Coverage: Issues and Advocacy

The October ASHA LEADER had a nice article by Janet McCarty and Amy Hasselkus on dysphagia reimbursement.
Notable information:

• More information on the effects of oral-motor exercises on dysphagia in pediatrics will be available in Dec.
• A remind of documents on ASHA's website such as treatment efficacy and preferred practice patterns.
• In reference to denied reimbursement, "the inability to manage age-appropriate food textures is defined as oral stage dysphagia (ICD-9 code 787.21)"
• Suggestion to document "the oral-motor issues and the nutrient deficiencies  of the child's food, which put the child at risk for malnutrition and related growth and developmental problems."

If you are working with pediatric feeding issues I recommend reading the article and following up on the recommended links.