Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment Cost

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

1.  digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#what/
2.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=causes
3.  www.drugstore.com/default.asp?catid=1
4.  www.drugstore.com/default.asp?catid=1
5.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
6.  www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/bentyl
7.  digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#diagnostic
8.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/DS00106/DSECTION=symptoms
9.  digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/#stress
10.  www.costco.com/
11.  www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy/5431
12.  www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
13.  www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
14.  patients.gi.org/find-a-gastroenterologist/
15.  secure.gastro.org/GILocator/locator.asp
16.  www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/irritable-bowel-syndrome-support-resources

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does Growing Medical Marijuana Outdoors Cost?		How Much Do Crutches Cost?		How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? The Fourth of July is coming up, and we've got the cost of a BBQ grill covered. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Men's Schwinn Ranger Bike from Target -- pre-assembled! Paid: 190.00 After reading this article I decided to go the budget route. I looked online and saw Target seemed to carry adult bikes, so I went to my local Target and they were out-of-stock, but they sent me to an even bigger Target... [more] -boughtalowendbike Bike Cost Spayed Paid: 70.00 ... [more] -Bamagirl Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Custom awning 19' x 4' installed Paid: 1300.00 Cost includes making n instaling... [more] -Gail Avist Fabric Awning Cost full repipe 2600 square feet Paid: 16000.00 full repipe with PEX, included 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 wet bar... [more] -Patrisha (Trisha) Roth Re-Piping a House Cost Cost and Wearablity Paid: 10000.00 Prostodontist in Mesa, AZ has quoted me $10,000 for full dentures NOT to include extractions (to be done elsewhere). He offers uppers and lowers immediate with a permanent set approx. 6 months later... [more] -First Time Dentures Dentures Cost High cost not covered by insurance Paid: 260.00 Must lower price or include with Medicare and insrance. Doctor charged $200 for 10 minute visit. Approval time by pa... [more] -Anthony melle Medical Marijuana Cost