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 |  | With Health Insurance: $10-$50 Copay or 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Without Health Insurance: $50-$200+ |
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Celiac Disease[1] is a digestive condition characterized by an inability to tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley. When a Celiac sufferer ingests gluten, it sets off an immune response in the intestines that gradually causes damage and can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Left untreated, Celiac can cause a host of health problems including malnutrition, anemia and fatigue.
Typical costs: | - Patients seeking medical care for Celiac would start with an office visit to a primary care physician, which is typically covered by health insurance. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a copay of $10-$50 or more, or coinsurance of 10%-50% or more. For patients without health insurance, an office visit typically costs $50-$200 or more. It often takes trial and error before it is successfully diagnosed.
- According to one study[2] by Canadian researchers, the average price for gluten-free products was $1.71 compared with $0.61 for regular products, and on average, gluten-free products were 242% more expensive than regular products. A 2007 report[3] found the same disparity, with gluten-free bread typically priced at $6 while a regular loaf cost about $1.
- For example, a package of Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix[4] typically retails for $13; a package of 20 oz Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers Gluten Free[5] costs $13, and Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta Spaghetti Style Gluten and Wheat Free[6] costs about $8.
Related articles: Nutritionist, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - There is no cure for Celiac Disease, and the only treatment[7] is a strict gluten-free diet.
- Patients who experience symptoms[8] of Celiac, such as abdominal bloating and pain and diarrhea, would typically start by seeing a family doctor or a general practitioner, but may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive tract.
- Because celiac symptoms vary and may be similar to other digestive disorders, a doctor will typically order a wide range of tests[9] , including blood tests to check for certain autoantibodies.
Additional costs: | - Celiac sufferers who accidentally eat or use a product with gluten may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Over-the-counter aids to help control constipation and diarrhea typically cost about $4-$25, depending on the quantity and whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent. For example, 120 capsules of the fiber supplement psyllium (Metamucil)[10] costs $14,while six caplets of the anti-diarrheal OTC medication loperamide (Imodium)[11] costs $5.
- Because Celiac can interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients, vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed. Supplements typically cost about $5-$25 or more. For example, 125 tablets of Centrum Silver[12] multivitamins cost $13.
- According to the Mayo Clinic[13] , when first beginning a gluten-free diet, it may be helpful to consult a dietitian. For patients not covered by health insurance, a one-hour initial consultation with a registered dietitian, or RD, typically costs about $100 - $200.
- In some cases, a doctor may recommend prednisone, which Drugstore.com charges less than $20 for a one-month supply, or other corticosteroids to help control inflammation.
Discounts: | - Discount stores such as Walmart and Costco that have an organic section may be good places to shop[14] for lower cost gluten-free products. For example Alf's Natural Nutrition puffed brown rice cereal by costs just $1 a bag at Walmart.
- Buying regularly used products in bulk online may help to lower costs and some retailers offer discounted shipping. For example, at amazon.com, a 12-pack of 8 oz. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Organic Pasta Gluten Free, Elbows[15] costs $28, or $3.50 a box, with free shipping.
Shopping for celiac disease treatment: | - The American Dietetic Association includes a free locator[16] to help patients find a registered dietician by zip code. The American College of Gastroenterology also offers a physician locator[17] .
- The Mayo Clinic offers a list of foods to avoid on a gluten-free diet[18] , as well as naturally gluten-free foods.
- Several websites detail ways in which shoppers can cut costs. For example, BeFreeForMe.com[19] offers coupons and samples for gluten-free products and Glutenista.com[20] has links to gluten-free products lists from major supermarkets around the country.
- Celiac sufferers may be able to claim the condition as a tax deduction, if their total medical expenses, including the added costs of buying gluten-free products, for the year exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation[21] . However, sufferers will need to include proof of diagnosis.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Anthony M Tafoya in Mesa, AZ. | Posted: October 13th, 2020 10:10AM |
| Type of Treatment: Celiac | Drugs Used: nothing to date |
I was told recently that after a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy that I have Celiac and I am 71 years old.
I have read several documents concerning Celiac disease. Does it cause the following;
1. Does celiac cause some difficulty breathing?
1. Does celiac cause some back pain? |
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External Resources: | - www.mayoclinic.org/celiac-disease/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18783640
- www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/medicine/divisions/digestive-health...
- www.amazon.com/Bisquick--Gluten-Free-Bisquick-Pancake/dp/B0045KDDU0/ref=sr_1_22?s=...
- www.amazon.com/Crunchmaster-Multi-Grain-Crackers-Gluten-Free/dp/B001YJBLMM?s=groce...
- www.amazon.com/Tinkyada-Brown-Pasta-Spaghetti-Gluten/dp/B00061EYI2?s=grocery&ie=UT...
- digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/#treatment
- digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/#symptoms
- digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/#diagnosis
- www.drugstore.com/default.asp?catid=1
- www.drugstore.com/default.asp?catid=1
- www.drugstore.com/centrum-silver-adults-50-multivitamin-tablets/qxp364746?catid=18...
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/My01140
- www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/medicine/divisions/digestive-health...
- www.amazon.com/Ancient-Harvest-Quinoa-Organic-8-Ounce/dp/B000LKTBDQ
- www.eatright.org/programs/rdfinder/
- patients.gi.org/find-a-gastroenterologist/
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/My01140
- befreeforme.com/
- www.glutenista.com/gluten-free-grocery-stores--grocer-gluten-free-lists.html
- www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=116&Itemid=207
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