[Limited diagnostic testing can decrease the direct economic impact of 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.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate the economic impact of IBS in terms of excessive diagnostic testing.


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 U.S. $21.38, compared to U.S. $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 U.S. $1080.36 versus U.S. $103.60 (a saving of 90.4%) and for private medicine, the costs were U.S. $3121.60 versus U.S. $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
Schmulson
Max J
MJ
Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad, Departamento de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. maxjulio@avantel.net
D032921:Consensus; D003938:Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System / Q000191:economics; D004180:Direct Service Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics*; D008800:Mexico; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000191:economics