Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Voice Functional Limitation Evaluation
• Technical/Medical Term: Voice functional limitation, current status at therapy episode outset and at reporting intervals (HCPCS Code: G9171)

Summary

The Voice Functional Limitation Evaluation assesses the current status of a patient's voice functioning at the beginning of a therapy episode and at defined reporting intervals. This evaluation helps healthcare providers measure progression and effectiveness of treatment for voice-related issues.

Purpose

The evaluation is used to:

• Diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the voice, such as vocal cord dysfunction, paralysis, or nodules.
• Track the effectiveness of voice therapy over time.
• Guide adjustments in treatment plans.

Indications

• Symptoms such as hoarseness, voice fatigue, or pitch issues.
• Conditions like vocal fold nodules, polyps, paralysis, or chronic laryngitis.
• Cases where patients rely heavily on their voice for professional reasons (e.g., singers, teachers).

Preparation

• No fasting required.
• Patients should avoid straining their voice before the assessment.
• Pre-procedure assessments may include a laryngoscopic examination to visualize the vocal cords.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: The patient is assessed using standardized questionnaires about voice use and functionality.
2. Voice Recording: The patient performs various vocal tasks, which are recorded for analysis.
3. Formant Analysis: Sophisticated software assesses voice qualities like pitch, volume, and clarity.
4. Therapy Plan: Based on the assessment, a tailored voice therapy plan is developed.
5. Follow-Up Evaluations: Repeated at set intervals to measure progression.

Tools and Technology:

• Microphones and voice recording devices
• Computer software for voice analysis

No anesthesia or sedation is needed for this evaluation.

Duration

• Initial assessment usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
• Follow-up evaluations typically last 20-30 minutes.

Setting

• This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialist's office.

Personnel

• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist) for initial diagnosis and periodic review

Risks and Complications

• This is a non-invasive procedure with minimal risks.
• Rarely, the patient may experience mild discomfort from vocal exercises.

Benefits

• Tailored treatment plans based on accurate assessment.
• Objective tracking of treatment effectiveness.
• Early detection of potential complications or need for intervention.

Recovery

• No specific recovery process as it is a diagnostic procedure.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow the prescribed voice therapy exercises at home.

Alternatives

• Direct visualization with laryngoscopy provides a visual assessment but does not offer functional voice analysis.
• Acoustic analysis using simpler, non-standardized tools may be less effective.

Patient Experience

• Patients may find speaking tasks challenging initially but generally find the process comfortable.
• Comfort measures include a thorough explanation of each step and reassurance throughout the process.
• Cooperation and active participation are essential for accurate results.