barium swallow test

I have a sister with MS and needs around the clock skilled nursing.  She is stuggling with eating quicky.  However if the time is taken she will eat 80-85% of her meal.  Because of time constraints, as the facility is quite large and dinner is between a certain time, she has not been eating well.  In reallity her appetite has decreased substantially, lucky to get 10% of her food down.  Therefore, when food is being feed to her it is remaining in her mouth or spills outs.  The staff has indicated she needs a PEG tube, the family agrees she needs her nutrition.  Here is my question, is the facility required to do a baruim swallow test as one of various screenings prior to having the procedure done?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Usually esophagogastroduodenoscopy is done prior to PEG. You can find more information at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percutaneous_endoscopic_gastrostomy

Thanks