Why are you offering training in FEES at this time?
After 30 years of running a successful Mobile FEES business in 44 states at our largest size, I realize that the amount of information that I have learned should be shared with those that will carry on when I retire. I had always promised myself that I would ‘train the world’ before I’m finished so that the amazing diagnostic profile that FEES provides would be available to everyone who needed it!
How is your training different than others who provide weekend courses on FEES?
One of the reasons we have not offered training to this point is that I’ve been busy running our company, training our own employees, and developing other areas of service such as AL, IL and Physician’s Offices. Many of our new employees went to weekend courses and relayed that they were not prepared for actually working in this the diagnostic environment because you simply can’t do this after a weekend course. There appears to be a gap between ‘wanting’ and ‘being able’ to perform the FEES professionally and ethically. In addition, different setting require different skill sets, from trach and vent to SNF patients, out-patients and home bound patients, and finally to that population that is being treated in-patient at hospitals. Each setting requires focus on a slightly different protocol and profile of considerations for successful outcomes. For years I have been asked to bridge that gap and now I have the staff, technology, and training center to do so! I can help you learn what you need to know in order to be successful in whatever setting you wish to become an expert, and most importantly, to help your patients be safe and reach their highest potential!
How can you possibly try and train so many different levels of interest?
Over the course of the 30 years since I began developing the equipment, protocol, contractual, and clinical practice of Mobile FEES, I have presented at ASHA, State Conventions, Insurance Providers, HCFA (before it was CMS), Medicare Divisions, Corporations, Quality Assurance Experts, etc. I have written more than 200 presentations focused on specific areas of my business. As a result, we have come up with an initial 10packages of training according to the type and level of training that one may want. The packages are divided up into different levels of business interest. For example, an SLP that wants to work for a hospital will need the Clinical FEES training in order to get that job and be able to pass the Clinical Privileging requirements for the position. Another SLP may be interested in working for him or herself and wants to understand how to successfully have their business become profitable, and stick around for their own 30 year anniversary. Finally, a businessman may be interested in funding a Mobile FEES company and needs to understand how to start the business, hire SLPs, get them trained, and budget for success! No matter if you fit these profiles or have one of your own, there is no scenario that can’t be trained!
Is this training cost prohibitive?
As a small business owner who started off on a shoe-string budget, I realize that the different levels provide a risk-free way to see if you have what it takes to be successful and to what level you want to reach. We are offering 10 different packages plus a Concierge Training should you not fit with any package we offer. The trainings range from a few hour Zoom, to a two day weekend course for the SLP, all the way to becoming an expert and running your own business. The prices range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars in investment, with payment plans, to get your company up and running. We have packages including no clinical privileging training, all the way to mentoring for a year to become a true expert!
Does Everyone in all 10 Packages take the weekend live course?
All of the Clinical Packages involve the following:
Normal VS Abnormal Anatomy (3 hours)
Learning to Perform FEES (2 hours)
Scoping for FEES Parts 1 & 2 (11 Hours)
Sign up for Package 1 to begin your journey, regardless of how advanced or expert your final journey is! The amount paid for that course will be credited to the more advanced courses and scheduling will be arranged upon successful completion of Package 1.
Will I get ASHA CEU Credit for this training?
DMS is an ASHA CEU Provider and offers CEUs for the packages. Not all hours spent to complete a package are eligible for CEU credit. The number of hours available for each package are clearly stated.
What did you ‘invent’?
Dr Susan Langmore researched and developed FEES. I did not invent FEES and was very privileged to be trained by Dr Langmore when she was at the VA in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While performing more than 15,000 FEES myself, I invented the process of putting together the mobile equipment, working with manufacturers to tailor equipment for FEES, developed the protocols, billing mechanisms and QA, and worked with reimbursement models for Mobile FEES among many other aspects. I was the first SLP to provide Mobile FEES and once I started, I was hooked on the value of the process and the immense value this technique that Dr Langmore developed was providing our patients. Over the years I provided data and research on tens of thousands of patients to Insurance Companies, CMS (HCFA), Medicare ancillaries. I have acted as an expert witness on a myriad of lawsuits involving dysphagia and inaccurate diagnoses. I ‘invented’ a way for an SLP to be able to go to the patient and provide the highest quality of service possible. FEES is the diagnostic tool, however there is so much more to the processes we developed over the past 30 years!
Hotel Accommodations In Sarasota, FL
Hotel Accommodations In Sarasota, FL in the winter may be sparse as this is a beautiful area to visit during that time. We recommend that you make a reservation early. The address of the FEESTraining.com Center is 1885 Porter Lake Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240. There are many hotels in the immediate area just north of the training center near the University Towne Center. This is a lovely area and if you have time after your FEESTraining.com day, the beautiful beaches are but a few miles away.
Still have questions? Let us know what course level you are interested in and we will provide you with specifics including timelines and cost, as well as next steps. Don’t see exactly what you are looking for? Let us know what that is, as we also offer concierge training to fit your specific needs.