Andrew,
I saw my ENT today and asked about the scope and mirrors. Like Gary and Stephanie say, he said it depends on the patient.

He said some patient gag or have constriction so he has to use a scope. On others like me he said when he pulls my tongue out he can see everything to well below the vocal cords.

He has me make a hi pitched sound, I guess to keep my vocal cords open.

On another issue, my MO seldom checks my mouth or throat either. He just does the meds, orders lab and stuff. He does review everything entered in the computer system by the other doctors and techs and if something unusual shows up in their notes he takes a look.

The MO plans to release me soon.