Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
What Is It?
Chronic immune-mediated GI inflammation: Crohn disease (transmural, any GI segment) and ulcerative colitis (mucosal, colon). Causes diarrhea, blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Colonoscopy with biopsy (gold standard). Stool calprotectin, CRP, ESR. CT or MRI enterography for Crohn extent.
How Is It Treated?
Mesalamine for mild UC. Corticosteroids for flares. Immunomodulators (azathioprine). Biologics (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab) for moderate-severe disease. GI collaboration essential.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
CBC, BMP, ESR, CRP, stool calprotectin, stool culture, colonoscopy, MRI or CT enterography.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. Labs: $60-$100. Colonoscopy: $1,000-$2,500. Biologics: $2,000-$5,000/month (co-pay assistance available).