82 year male hospital wants to do a barium swallow test before removing the food tube. i feel its unnecessary as patient could take ice by mouth. they want to make sure he do not aspirate. already 3 ct done and x-ray everyday - radiation risk?

Always a good idea as a barium swallow may rule in or out micro aspiration with very limited radiation exposure, much less than a CT. The test would not make sense if the patient is discharged with comfort measures only and/or with home hospice, otherwise critical piece of information.

There is cost benefit ratio to be considered. Not doing the studies would interfere with proper diagnosis and as a corollary a proper treatment.