Dysphagia care at Mayo Clinic
Your Mayo Clinic care team
Specialists at Mayo Clinic work together to identify the best treatment approach for each person. The care team includes specialists in gastroenterology and hepatology, otolaryngology, neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and speech pathology.
If you have esophageal cancer, specialists in thoracic surgery, oncology (medical) and radiation oncology also might be involved in your treatment.
Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota has a special dysphagia clinic, the Esophageal Clinic, to coordinate care of people with dysphagia.
The Swallowing Clinic at Mayo Clinic's campus in Arizona specializes in care and diagnosis for people with complex swallowing conditions. Appointments with a range of specialists are offered on the same day.
Advanced diagnosis and treatment
Mayo Clinic offers high-tech testing options to identify the cause of your dysphagia. The results from most tests are typically available within a few hours.
Mayo Clinic is a leader in treatments such as esophageal dilation for narrowing of the esophagus and stent placement for blockages. Mayo Clinic also offers surgery when necessary, including the latest minimally invasive techniques. Mayo Clinic serves as a test center for evaluating new technologies.
Mayo Clinic has adopted the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. This is a global standard for defining diets for people with dysphagia. Known around the world as IDDSI, this framework aligns Mayo Clinic with international standards for safety and offers the highest level of individualized care to people with dysphagia.
Expertise and rankings
Experience
Each year, Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat more than 16,000 people who have trouble swallowing.
Nationally recognized expertise
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025–2026 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for ear, nose and throat by U.S. News & World Report.
Locations, travel and lodging
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.
For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:
Costs and insurance
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.