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 |  | Over-the-Counter Medications: $4-$25 |  | Prescription Medications: $10-$200 |
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Irritable bowel syndrome[1] is a disorder of the large intestine that is characterized by cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Its causes[2] are unknown. Though IBS typically creates discomfort, it does no permanent harm to the intestines. Most IBS patients can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and prescribed medications, but for a minority of patients the condition can be disabling.
Typical costs: |
- Patients seeking medical care for IBS would start with an office visit to a primary care physician, which is typically covered by health insurance. For patients with 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.
- Over-the-counter aids to help control IBS symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea typically cost $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)[3] costs $14,while six caplets of the anti-diarrheal OTC medication loperamide (Imodium)[4] costs $5.
- For moderate to severe cases, a doctor may prescribe one or more kinds of drugs[5] to manage symptoms, including anticholinergic medications, antidepressant medications, or antibiotics. Prescription medications used to treat IBS typically range in cost from $10-$200. For example, the anticholinergic medication dicyclomine (Bentyl)[6] , which is used to counter bowel spasms, typically costs $49 or less without health insurance, while generic Imipramine hcl (Tofranil), an antidepressant, typically costs $16 . For patients covered by health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for drugs is a prescription drug copay of $5-$30 or more.
Related articles: Colonoscopy, EGD, Massage, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment, Health Insurance
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What should be included: |
- An IBS diagnosis[7] is generally based on a complete medical history and physical examination.
- After an initial evaluation, a primary doctor may refer patients exhibiting symptoms[8] to a gastroenterologist for more detailed diagnostic testing. No specific test for IBS exists, but certain exams, such as a colonoscopy, may help to rule out other problems.
Additional costs: |
- Because stress[9] can trigger colon spasms in IBS patients, therapies that help to manage negative emotions or reduce anxiety such as massage may help to keep symptoms from worsening.
Discounts: |
- Outlets such as Costco[10] and Walmart[11] often sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs at significant savings. Walmart, for example, has a prescription drug program[12] that includes certain generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages.
- Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital[13] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.
Shopping for irritable bowel syndrome treatment: |
- The American College of Gastroenterology[14] and American Gastroenterologist Association[15] offer a physician locators.
- WebMD offers a list of resources[16] to help IBS sufferers, including message boards and online tools.
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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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External Resources: |
- digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#what/
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=causes
- www.drugstore.com/default.asp?catid=1
- www.drugstore.com/default.asp?catid=1
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
- www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/bentyl
- digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#diagnostic
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=symptoms
- digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#stress
- www.costco.com/
- www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy/5431
- www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
- www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
- patients.gi.org/find-a-gastroenterologist/
- secure.gastro.org/GILocator/locator.asp
- www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/irritable-bowel-syndrome-support-resources
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