Limited diagnostic testing can decrease the direct economic impact of irritable bowel syndrome

作者：Schmulson Max J^*

来源：Revista Medica de Chile, 2008, 136(11): 1398-1405.

• Diagnostic tests, routine
• Direct service costs
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Background: The economic impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Mexico in terms of excessive diagnostic testing can be considerably reduced if the recommendations of the Latin American Consensus (LATAM) for IBS are followed. Aim: To estimate the economic impact of IBS in terms of excessive diagnostic testing. Material and Methods: Based on a previously published study, the costs of diagnostic testing for IBS were compared to the theoretical costs according to the recommendations of the consensus. These costs were compared to estimate the economic impact of excessive diagnostic testing. A cost-minimization analysis was also done. Results: For the lowest socioeconomic level in academic medicine, the excessive diagnostic testing had an approximate cost of US$21.38, compared to US$1.72 if the LATAM Consensus recommendations would have been followed, representing a saving of 92.0%. The cost for the highest socioeconomic level in academic medicine was US$1080.36 versus US$103.60 (a saving of 90.4%) and for private medicine, the costs were US$3121.60 versus US$159.90 (a saving of 94.9%) if the recommendations would have been followed. Conclusions: Limited diagnostic testing recommended by the LATAM Consensus for IBS can significantly decrease the economic impact of this disease in Mexico (Rev Med Chile 2008; 136: 1398-405).

• 出版日期2008-11