Economic Impact of Daily Bowel Management Regimens
Author / Expert
Vatche Melkonian, Luis de la Torre, Jill Ketzer, Victor Rodriguez, Lauren Schneider, Hannah Martin, Anne Merritt, Amy Krause, Maura Wickham, Alberto Pena, Andrea Bischoff
Topic overview
Chronic constipation and fecal incontinence are devastating problems for patients with anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung's disease, idiopathic constipation, and spina bifida/spinal cord injuries. Finding the proper regimen allows these patients to be out of diapers and free of stool accidents. A typical bowel management regimen consists of daily laxatives or enemas; because these products are sold over the counter, insurance companies do not cover them. This study reviews the cost of bowel regimens and analyzes their economic impact on the families we treat.
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