What are common signs of dysphagia?

Coughing or choking with meals, sensation of food sticking, weight loss, or recurrent chest infections may indicate dysphagia.

Can dysphagia therapy be done online?

Yes. We provide secure telehealth sessions and collaborate with your medical team for FEES or MBS when needed.

Will my insurance cover swallowing therapy?

Many plans cover medically necessary dysphagia therapy. Coverage varies by plan; we can perform a courtesy benefits check.

Dysphagia (swallowing)

At Blue Ridge Speech & Voice, we provide evidence-based assessment and treatment for dysphagia—difficulty chewing or swallowing—that can result from stroke, Parkinson’s disease, head and neck cancer, or other medical conditions. Our licensed speech-language pathologists create individualized therapy plans to improve swallowing safety, reduce the risk of aspiration or choking, and help you maintain adequate nutrition and hydration. All services are delivered via secure telehealth to clients in the states where we are licensed.

Read our blog about navigating food-centered holidays with dysphagia

Common Signs & Causes

Difficulty swallowing can appear in many ways. You might notice:
• Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
• A sensation of food “sticking” in the throat or chest
• Unexplained weight loss or frequent chest infections

Dysphagia can result from stroke, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, head and neck cancer treatment, or other neurological and medical conditions.

Our Approach

Our licensed speech-language pathologists provide a personalized plan to make swallowing safer and more efficient. Therapy may include targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, compensatory strategies for safer eating and drinking, diet modifications, and collaboration with your medical team. When appropriate, we coordinate with physicians for instrumental evaluations such as FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) or MBSS (Modified Barium Swallow Study).

Insurance & Access

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare. All sessions are delivered through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth so you can work on your goals from the comfort of home.

Protect your health and enjoy meals with confidence. Schedule a consultation to discuss a customized dysphagia treatment plan today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common signs of dysphagia?
Coughing, throat clearing, or choking with drinks or food, a sensation of food/pills “sticking,” weight loss, and/or recurrent lung infections.
Can dysphagia therapy be done online?
Yes. We provide secure telehealth sessions and coordinate FEES or MBS (MBSS) with your medical team when appropriate.
Will my insurance cover swallowing therapy?
Most plans cover medically necessary therapy. We can complete a courtesy benefits check; confirm details with your insurer.

Helpful Resources for Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)

These links lead to trusted organizations and tools for people living with dysphagia and their families. They are provided for educational purposes and are not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Dysphagia – Clear explanations of swallowing disorders, evaluation methods, and therapy options.
National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders (NFOSD) – Educational articles, patient stories, webinars, and a worldwide support community.
Dysphagia Research Society – Up-to-date research and professional guidelines on assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders.
International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) – Global framework for food and liquid texture modification with practical resources for safer eating and drinking.

Looking for meal ideas for a modified diet? Explore the IDDSI Recipe Collection for tested, texture-modified recipes designed for different dysphagia diet levels.