Name of the Procedure:

Food thickener, administered orally, per ounce (HCPCS Code: B4100)

• Common Name: Food Thickener
• Technical/Medical Term: Oral Dietary Thickener

Summary

Food thickener is a product added to liquids to increase their viscosity, making them easier to swallow for individuals with certain medical conditions that cause difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). This helps to prevent choking and aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway).

Purpose

• Purpose: To aid individuals who experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) by making liquids thicker and easier to control when swallowing.
• Goals: To enhance swallowing safety, reduce the risk of choking and aspiration, and improve the overall hydration and nutritional intake of the patient.

Indications

• Specific symptoms: Swallowing difficulties, frequent choking, coughing when drinking, and recurrent pneumonia or respiratory infections due to aspiration.
• Conditions: Dysphagia associated with strokes, neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, ALS), head and neck cancers, and age-related swallowing problems.
• Patient Criteria: Individuals diagnosed with dysphagia, often by a speech-language pathologist or healthcare provider.

Preparation

• No specific pre-procedure preparation is needed.
• A swallow study or assessment by a speech-language pathologist might be conducted to determine the appropriate consistency of the thickened liquids.

Procedure Description

1. Selection: Choose the appropriate type and amount of food thickener as recommended by a healthcare provider.
2. Mixing: Add the thickener to the liquid and stir until the desired consistency is achieved. This may vary from nectar-thick, honey-thick, to pudding-thick.
3. Tools: Measuring spoons or scoops for the thickener and utensils for stirring.
4. Consumption: The patient then drinks the thickened liquid.
   • No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

• The mixing process takes a few minutes.
• The duration of intake depends on the individual's drinking habits.

Setting

• This can be performed in various settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and at home.

Personnel

• Primarily administered by caregivers, nurses, or the patients themselves under guidance.
• Speech-language pathologists may be involved in determining the need and appropriate consistency.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Inadequate thickening which might not alleviate swallowing difficulties.
• Rare Risks: Over-thickening can lead to dehydration if the patient reduces liquid intake due to discomfort.
• Complication Management: Regular assessments by healthcare providers to adjust consistency and ensure proper hydration.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduced risk of choking and aspiration, improved safety when swallowing, and better hydration and nutrition.
• Realization Time: Benefits are typically immediate once the right consistency is achieved.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Regular monitoring of swallowing safety and hydration status.
• Recovery Time: Continuous use; no specific recovery period.
• Follow-Up: Periodic re-assessment by a healthcare provider to adjust treatment as necessary.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Speech therapy to improve swallowing function, dietary modifications to include naturally thicker foods, and medical treatments for underlying conditions.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives may offer more permanent solutions but may take longer to see benefits compared to the immediate effect of food thickeners.

Patient Experience

• During: Patients might notice a change in texture and mouthfeel of their beverages.
• After: Generally, patients adjust to the texture; comfort measures include ensuring the thickened liquid is palatable and not too thick.
• Pain Management: Not applicable as this is a non-invasive and pain-free process.