As of June 2, 2010, OSF Saint Anthony outpatient rehabilitation services began offering new services in speech pathology.  The department has acquired new technology that allows speech pathologists to evaluate voice and swallowing skills at a more advanced level.

Videostroboscopy is a procedure that allows the therapist to view the vocal folds in pseudo-slow motion with either a rigid or flexible scope. The exams record images and video that can then be sent back to the ordering physician for further medical decisions.

Acoustic Testing is an exam involving computer software which breaks down the voice into all acoustic parameters. This exam will likely be completed in conjunction with the standard perceptual voice evaluation and/or videostroboscopy.

FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) is a procedure that evaluates swallowing with the use of a flexible scope. Unlike the standard Modified Barium Swallow/Videoswallow, this exam does not involve radiation or time limitations.

OSF Saint Anthony is the only healthcare facility in the area to offer acoustic testing and FEES.  The services are available at OSF Specialty Clinic, Guilford Square, 698 Featherstone Road. Patients can be scheduled for the exams by calling (815) 395-4505 or faxing 815-395-4507. For information about speech therapy, call 815-395-4545.

 Other services offered by speech pathology include:
           - Standard Speech, Language and Cognitive Evaluations and Treatment
           - Standard Bedside Swallow Evaluations and Swallowing Treatment
           - Head and Neck Lymphedema Evaluations and Treatment
           - Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), a speech treatment designed for patients with common changes to voice and speech seen   in Parkinson’s Disease
           - Vital Stim, a swallowing treatment with use of intensive exercise paired with neuromuscular electrical stimulation
           - Videofluoroscopy, also known as Modified Barium Swallow Study or Videoswallow. This is the only  assessment which requires that the order and scheduling be completed through Central Scheduling at (815) 395-5444.