Concurrent Laryngologist‐
SLP
Clinics: A Scoping Review and Practice Pattern Survey
Saumith Menon, Ted Mau, Nancy Jiang ABSTRACT
Objective
To map the literature on adult concurrent laryngologist‐speech‐language pathologist (SLP) clinic models, summarize reported outcomes and implementation factors, and contextualize findings with a national practice pattern survey.
Data Sources
PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception through March 5, 2026. A cross‐sectional survey was administered to U.S. laryngologists at the 2026 Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings.
Review Methods
This scoping review followed JBI methodology and PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Eligible studies described adult patients evaluated in a concurrent or interprofessional laryngologist‐SLP model and reported clinical outcomes, operational data, or implementation findings. Findings were synthesized narratively. Survey respondents were stratified by current care model.
Results
Of 505 records identified, 16 studies met inclusion criteria. Study designs included prospective cohorts, retrospective cohorts, and chart reviews, geographic access analysis, and conference abstracts. Concurrent evaluation was associated with improved therapy initiation and completion, improved patient‐reported voice outcomes, lower emergency department and primary care utilization, and preserved billing revenue. Access disparities persisted by race and geography. Among 25 survey respondents, 64% practiced in an existing interdisciplinary clinic model. Respondents perceived benefits for patient experience, care coordination, and outcomes, while billing and reimbursement were the most common barriers.
Conclusion
Concurrent laryngologist‐SLP clinics are described as a promising model across voice, upper airway, swallowing, and head and neck cancer populations, but evidence remains heterogeneous. Future work should standardize outcomes, evaluate cost and implementation, and examine equity of access.
Level of Evidence
NA