May 2024 Pediatric Newsletter

“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” – Marion C. Garretty

Happy NATIONAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING Month to all Speech-Language Pathologists!

We are such a diverse field and all play an important role in each life that we touch. It is important that we all continue to grow in various areas of our field and collaborate with each other & other professionals to provide the best quality care for our patients.

Referrals

In order to schedule an appointment, we require the following from a referring physician:

A SIGNED order requesting a “Modified Barium Swallow Study” or a “Swallow Function Study.” The physicians can write their own or find one on our website under the ‘Pediatrics’ tab.
Demographic sheet with insurance information
Their latest clinical notes to provide a thorough history

These documents can be faxed to 888-920-1201 or emailed to info@diagnostex.us.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding this process.

Reminder: We are in-network with Cook Children’s Health Plan

Helpful Tips for Thickening

It is important to remember to perform an IDDSI test when a patient switches formula or increases/decreases volume. Formula brands can vary in viscosity, which impacts the amount of thickener needed to achieve the recommended thickness.

SimplyThick

Utilize a fork to mix the thickener with all liquids. The prongs of the fork assist in breaking apart the gel vs utilizing a spoon. Each family will go home with a Ziploc of SimplyThick to ensure they have enough thickener until more is ordered. In addition, our SimplyThick rep has agreed to send families a starter kit and, if available, a pump bottle. I will contact him after the family leaves to have him mail that directly to the family.

GelMix

Because it must be warmed to 100 degrees, that can make things tricky. These tips/tools will make things a little easier.

For use with formula: Utilize a kettle with a ‘keep warm’ feature to keep the water a specific temperature.

I have not tried breastmilk with these kettles. I did find this kettle that shows pictures of bottles warmed to a specific temperature, which would be helpful for those that prefer breastmilk. I would give it a try with the family first in conjunction with an IDDSI test prior to clearing them for it.

Feekaa Baby Bottle Warmer
Amazon.com : Feekaa Baby Bottle Warmer for Breastmilk,Multifunctional Bottle Steamer and Dryer, Bottle Maker Formula Machine with 44 oz Electric Baby Kettle, Water Warmer for Baby Formula,Temperature Control (±1℃) : Baby

For use with both formula and breastmilk, utilize a milk frother to improve the dissolution of the powder with the formula or breastmilk. This brand is reliable & you have the option of purchasing one with a traveling case, which is helpful for families to throw in the diaper bag. I recommend families purchase 2-3 of them: one to keep at home, one for the diaper bag, and an extra one.

Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother
Amazon.com: Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother Wand Drink Mixer - Durable, Proprietary Z Motor Max - Handheld Frother Electric Whisk, Milk Foamer, Mini Blender and Electric Mixer Coffee Frother for Matcha - Black : Industrial & Scientific

When families come to DiagnosTEX for their child’s MBSS and thickener is recommended for the first time, I will ask the families to thicken themselves under my guidance. If they brought their formula from home, we will use that. If not, we will practice using water. We will also practice the IDDSI test. They will leave with instructions on how to thicken and perform an IDDSI test. They will also leave with handouts on how to order a milk frother & kettle, if so desired.

We have been blessed to have a family provide tubs of GelMix to handout to families. Each family will go home with 1 tub, a few on-the-go sticks, and some syringes to perform the IDDSI test. If a family is ever in jeopardy of running out, please remind them to reach out to me so we can try to get them another tub. Unfortunately, my supply is not unlimited, but at the same time, my goal is make sure babies and kids are able to safely consume liquids.

Ampcare

Have you heard about AmpCare and want to become a certified user? They offer In-person certification courses, as well as a hybrid option. They have the following dates available for certification:

Live, In Person: May 8th from 8am-5pm in Fort Worth.
Hybrid & Zoom: May 14th – 15th from 3pm-5pm. Must attend both days.

Visit swallowtherapy.com for more information!

Are you an Ampcare Certified User working with pediatrics and looking for support? I know a few therapists that are happy to discuss cases (HIPAA compliant) and offer any guidance or support. Please let me know and I am happy to pass along your contact information to them.

In-Services

Do you have a team of therapists that would like to learn more about Modified Barium Swallow Studies? I would love to prepare a presentation for your team, complete with videos, to educate them on deficits and how that applies to the therapy they are implementing each week. Please reach out if that is something you are interested in.

Contribution

Do you have an interesting topic that you would like to share in a newsletter, whether it be a research article you have read or a patient you have treated? Email me if you are interested!

I, and the rest of the DiagnosTEX staff, look forward to helping you serve your patients and ensure a safe diet for ALL children.