Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In this study we describe medical cost estimates for the two major types of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, using a literature-based medical decision algorithm costing methodology. Surgery and inpatient costs were estimated to account for roughly half of inflammatory bowel disease medical costs. Outpatient medical care represented only 3. 0-7. 1% of average cost of medical care for inflammatory bowel disease; initial diagnostic workups were only 1. 5-7. 8% of medical costs. Long-term complications were estimated to average 439 for ulcerative colitis, nearly twice the average for Crohn's disease. Medications averaged about 10% of total costs. The average annual medical cost per patient with Crohn's disease was estimated at 6, 561 (1990 U. S. dollars). The total annual medical costs for U. S. Crohn's disease patients in 1990 was estimated at 1. 0-1. 2 billion. The average annual medical cost per patient with ulcerative colitis was estimated at 1, 488. The total annual medical costs for U. S. patients with ulcerative colitis in 1990 was estimated at 0. 4-0. 6 billion.