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Functional dyspepsia: the economic impact to patients
Author(s) -
Lacy B. E.,
Weiser K. T.,
Kennedy A. T.,
Crowell M. D.,
Talley N. J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/apt.12355
Subject(s) - medicine , medical prescription , reimbursement , indirect costs , population , health care , physical therapy , environmental health , business , accounting , economics , pharmacology , economic growth
Summary Background Although highly prevalent, little is known about the economic impact of functional dyspepsia ( FD ). Aims To quantify FD patients' health care utilisation patterns and to estimate direct and indirect costs of FD to patients. Methods ICD ‐9 codes identified adult patients with dyspepsia. A validated questionnaire was mailed to patients who met Rome III criteria for FD . Results Three hundred and fifty‐five patients met all inclusion criteria. The response rate was 63%. The respondents' mean age was 50 (14) years; 75% were women; 52% of respondents rated their FD as moderate. Patients reported 3 visits (mean) to their PCP over 12 months; 75% reported having blood work, 92% an EGD , 59% an ultrasound and 40% a CT scan. The direct cost of testing using Medicare reimbursement rates per patient was $582. To treat FD symptoms, 89% tried dietary changes, 89% over‐the‐counter medications, 87% prescription medications and 25% alternative therapies. Mean patient expenditure over the last year was $246 for OTC medications (range $0–12,000), $290 for co‐payments (range $0–9,000) and $110 for alternative treatments (range $0–3,741). Total mean direct cost yearly to patients was $699. In the 7 days prior to completing the questionnaire, respondents reported a mean of 1.4 h absence from work. Extrapolating the results to the US population, we conservatively calculate the costs of FD were $18.4 billion in 2009. Conclusions Functional dyspepsia patients incur significant direct and indirect costs and work productivity is impaired by dyspeptic symptoms.