Session Information
Session Title:
The State of Thickener Insurance Coverage and Advocating for Equity in Dysphagia Care
Time:
11:00am - 12:00pm
Speaker(s):
Dr. Melissa Malone, PhD
Abstract:
Insurance coverage for dysphagia care exhibits substantial disparities across providers and states. Medicaid coverage faces challenges due to outdated weight-based reimbursement systems, significantly impacting thickener coverage. This session explores the current landscape of insurance coverage of thickeners for dysphagia care, revealing the complexities and profound impact of inequities on patient outcomes. Participants will gain insights into navigating these challenges and advocating for improved coverage within their respective states. Join us to empower yourself with actionable strategies towards achieving a more equitable dysphagia care system.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe the current landscape of thickener insurance coverage within the United States.
Explain the dynamics between medical suppliers and insurance providers concerning the provision of dysphagia care supplies.
Summarize the significant impact of healthcare coverage disparities on individuals affected by dysphagia.
Apply the information provided in the session to advocate for enhanced thickener coverage for dysphagia within your respective state.
Speaker Bio:
Melissa Malone, PhD, is the co-founder of Purathick Natural Thickener and the Chief Operations Officer at Parapharma Tech, where she has excelled for the past decade. A leading expert in pediatric thickeners and thickener insurance coverage, Dr. Malone drives innovative strategies and advancements in the industry. She holds a PhD in the history and social geography of childhood, offering a unique perspective on the landscape of legislative change and action. Based in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, she is known for her exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and dedication to operational excellence.
Financial Disclosures:
Melissa Malone receives financial compensation from Parapharma Tech, the makers of Gelmix and Purathick Thickeners.
Nonfinancial Disclosures:
None
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Session Title:
Best Practices for the Clinical Swallow Examination (CSE)
Speaker(s):
Dr. Kendrea L. (Focht) Garand, PhD, CScD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Abstract:
This topic details components of administration and interpretation of the clinical swallow examination. Further, it explores the strengths and limitations for interpreting clinical swallow examination (CSE) results, including implications for dysphagia management in adult populations across clinical settings. The speaker contrasts CSEs with instrumental swallow examinations and shares resources to maximize clinical usefulness of the clinical swallow exam.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of this session, participants will be able to:
Explain the purpose(s) of a clinical swallow examination
Describe components of a comprehensive clinical swallow examination
Explain the limitations of a clinical swallow examination
Contrast clinical usefulness of a clinical swallow examination with an instrumental examination
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Kendrea Layne (Focht) Garand is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a Doctor of Clinical Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (CScD) from the University of Pittsburgh, and a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She then completed her post-doctoral fellowship at MUSC Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for over 15 years, and she is a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S). She currently is the Chairperson for the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders and Editor-in-Chief of Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. Her research predominantly involves studying the impact of healthy aging, neurodegenerative disease, and obstructive sleep apnea on swallowing function and responsiveness to targeted interventions. She has approximately 70 peer-reviewed publications, and you may find some of her work in Journal of Speech, Language, & Hearing Research, Rheumatology, Muscle & Nerve, Dysphagia, Sleep & Breathing, and the Journal of Nutrition, Health, & Aging.
Financial Disclosures:
Salary, University of Pittsburgh;
Honorarium, ASHA
Nonfinancial Disclosures:
Chairperson, American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
Editor-in-Chief, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups (Group 2)
Member, ASHA and Dysphagia Research Society
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Session Title:
Helping our Patients Through Thick or Thin (Liquids)
Speaker(s):
Hillary Cooper, M.A., CCC-SLP
Abstract:
Thickeners are pervasively used in dysphagia management and have historically been taught to be benign one-size-fits-all solutions for aspiration. However, current research shows that thickeners may be contraindicated in some circumstances and harmful in others. In this lecture, we discuss the evidence behind the use of thickeners as dysphagia compensation techniques as well as the pros, cons, and ingredients of the most commonly used thickeners on the market.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify 3 aspects of thickening which may impact quality of life
Demonstrate understanding of the current scientific evidence regarding use of thickeners without instrumentation.
Describe 5 types of thickeners and their primary indications and contraindications for use.
Speaker Bio:
Hillary started her career in speech-language pathology at an outpatient private practice in Leesville, Louisiana, which served active-duty soldiers, their dependents, and military retirees. The wide range of experience she gained in that position served her well when she moved to Ruston to marry her soulmate. She has since worked in long-term care facilities, acute care, and home health. In 2016, Hillary decided that she wanted to change the status quo of dysphagia treatment in North Louisiana, so she started her outpatient private practice and then created North Louisiana Swallow Solutions in 2017 to be the premier mobile FEES provider in the region. In 2019, Hillary co-founded Dysphagia Outreach Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide meaningful assistance to individuals affected by dysphagia. In 2021, Hillary joined the Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association Board of Directors and is the current Immediate Past President. Hillary is serving as the 2024-2026 Treasurer for the Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP). She is also currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change at Baylor University. Hillary enjoys teaching and traveling around the country in her free time, providing high-quality lectures to medical speech-language pathologists.
Financial Disclosures:
Owner, North Louisiana Swallow Solutions (receives salary, ownership interest)
Nonfinancial Disclosures:
2023-2024 Immediate Past President of Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA)
2024-2026 Treasurer for Council for State Association Presidents (CSAP)
Doctoral student, Baylor University
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Session Title:
Thickening for Pediatric Populations
Speaker(s):
Dr. Memorie Gosa, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S
Abstract:
Liquids are the most commonly aspirated consistency across the lifespan. Infants depend on breastmilk and formula (liquid) to provide both hydration and nutrition. Thickening thin liquid consistencies is frequently recommended to reduce or eliminate aspiration in pediatric populations, particularly infant populations due to their physical and cognitive immaturity. This session will review the nuances of thickening in pediatric populations to provide successful compensation for dysphagia in medically fragile pediatric populations.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of this session, participants will be able to:
List three common causes of dysphagia with aspiration in pediatric populations.
Discuss why laryngeal penetration is a cause for concern in pediatric populations with dysphagia.
Evaluate commercially available thickening options to determine the most appropriate option for presented pediatric cases.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Memorie Gosa is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, board certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders, and associate professor and chair of the Communicative Disorders Department at The University of Alabama. She has more than twenty years of clinical and research experience in pediatric dysphagia. Her research focuses on establishing the reliability and validity of common assessments and treatments used in pediatric dysphagia. She is co-editor of the textbook, Assessing and Treating Dysphagia: A Lifespan Perspective.
Financial Disclosures:
Royalties from Thieme
Salary from The University of Alabama, Druid City Hospital, and LeBonheur Children's Hospital
Nonfinancial Disclosures:
Member of the Council on Academic Accreditation
Editorial Board Member for the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Member of the Pediatric Feeding Disorder topic committee for the ASHA 2024 conference
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Session Title:
Feeding Tools of the Trade that Make a Difference
Speaker(s):
Lisa Kleinz, M.A., SLP/L, CNT
Abstract:
Traditional feeding products and practices for infants are inconsistent and can result in poor feeding outcomes. This session will investigate how the tools used can impact the safety and quality of oral feeding. The science of bottle feeding will be discussed, as well as the importance of consistency in feeding.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify one way that a Zero Resistance® Bottle System can improve feeding
performance.
Discuss the importance of variability of nipple flow rates when selecting a bottle system.
Describe one way the consistency in feeding products and practices affects the safety
and quality of oral feeding for infants.
Speaker Bio:
Lisa’s role is to explore, create, and deliver valuable educational, developmental care-focused resources to the Dr. Brown’s Medical team as well as healthcare professionals in the field of infant feeding. In this role, Lisa provides evidence-based, researched data, supporting positive feeding experiences for infants and their families. Prior to joining Dr. Brown’s Medical in 2016, Lisa worked as a Speech Pathologist and Developmental Care Specialist for over 25 years in both Level 3 and 4 NICUs in the Chicago, IL area. Her certifications include Newborn Individualized Developmental Care Assessment Program (NIDCAP), Developmental Care Designation (NANN), Infant Massage Instructor, and Certified Lactation Specialist. She is also a Certified Neonatal Therapist and a member of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists. In addition, Lisa was one of the founding members of the Neonatal Therapy Certification Board that facilitated the sole certification for neonatal therapists. Lisa received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and Master’s at Indiana University. She is highly experienced with presentations at National conferences; created and presented webinars for NICU families and developed a 2-day course for Education Resources, Inc on Developmental Care in the NICU. Lisa resides in Northwest Arkansas and while not absorbing all she can about infant feeding, she enjoys exercising, cooking healthy meals, and reading great books!
Financial Disclosures:
Director of Education, Dr. Brown’s Medical (receives salary)
Nonfinancial Disclosures:
None
—----------------------------
Session Title:
An Introduction to the Benefits of Respiratory Muscle Strength Training
Speaker(s):
Jenny Opalinski, MA, CCC-SLP
Abstract:
This course will provide the learner with a basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system as related to swallow, cough and speech. Jenny will review the latest research supporting respiratory muscle strength training as an intervention for disorders of swallow, cough and speech. She will discuss the different types of respiratory muscle trainers , their implementation, and the adjustment of protocols and troubleshooting.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify basic respiratory anatomy and physiology.
Demonstrate the differences between respiratory muscle strength training devices that are available on the market today.
Demonstrate an understanding of how to create and modify respiratory muscle training protocols based on specific patient needs.
Speaker Bio:
Jenny Opalinski is a medical Speech-Language Pathologist with over ten years of experience in a variety of settings including acute care, acute rehab and LTACH. Her areas of interest include respiratory muscle strength training(RMST) in persons with tracheostomy. Jenny is currently employed as Director of Relations at Aspire Respiratory Products, LLC. Her primary goal in this role is to foster relationships with healthcare professionals to improve access to resources and opportunities for education about RMST.
Financial Disclosures:
Jenny is a paid employee of Aspire Respiratory Products, LLC.
Nonfinancial Disclosures:
None
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Title:
Instrumental Evaluations: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
Speaker(s):
Brooke Beilman, M.S., CCC-SLP
Abstract:
This session provides a comprehensive overview of Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), focusing on their evolution, evidence-based support, and practical application. We begin with a brief course outline and historical context, then delve into the importance of frame-by-frame analysis and data recording standards. We also explore the integration of innovative software solutions and their impact on clinical practice and patient care. The presentation concludes with a look towards the future of dysphagia assessment and invites audience participation in a Q&A session to further discuss advancements and potential directions.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe new innovations in software for flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and modified barium swallow studies (MBSS).
List the benefits of software for FEES and MBSS that are beneficial in improving patient outcomes.
Apply the skills taught in this course to improve analysis processes and efficiency for MBSS and FEES.
Summarize current research that demonstrates the importance of recording, archiving, and analysis for MBSS and FEES.
Speaker Bio:
Brooke Beilman is a full-time member of the TIMS Medical leadership team, a part-time graduate school instructor, and serves patients in the acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. She is a three-time recipient of the ASHA ACE Award, the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional (ECP) Certificate, and the Tactile Medical Leadership Award. She is the co-founder of Servant Leadership and a member of DRS, NFOSD, and SIG13. Brooke has presented at the state and national levels, and has been a guest on the podcasts Understanding Dysphagia, Speech Path Pod, Lymphedema Podcast, and First Bite. She has been the host and guest speaker for continuing education webinars. Brooke is passionate about improving clinician access to resources for evidence-based practice and leadership development. She has experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and skilled nursing settings. Brooke is currently a clinical doctorate student at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with expected graduation date in 2024.
Financial Disclosures:
Brooke receives a salary from TIMS Medical, The Univeristy of Iowa, Mercy Medical Center, and Maryville University.
Nonfinancial Disclosures:
Brooke has no non-financial disclosures to report.