Celiac Disease & The Economy: How You Can Help!

If you have Celiac Disease, you can probably relate to me when I say a good majority of my life was spent routinely in doctor's offices for stomach aches, sinus infections, reoccurring strep throat, migraines, and constant pain. My parents must have spent thousands and thousands of dollars each year in my medical bills (wouldn't that be something to get a hold of that figure?) before I was diagnosed and became healthy again.

I often wonder what life would have been like if I had been diagnosed earlier. So many things would have been different, yet I never hang on to that thought simply because I am thankful of where I am today. However, this leads to a much more serious conclusion that is currently affecting many Americans today (whether they know it or not!). According to the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center, it is apparent that there would be an economic benefit to the diagnosis of Celiac Disease in a national managed-care population of the United States. 

Peter HR Green, M.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine & Director, Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center, had this to say about the study (Journal of Insurance Medicine, 2008; 40:218-228) and the economic benefits of increased diagnosis of Celiac Disease: "We now have evidence that the increased awareness and diagnosis of Celiac Disease would benefit not only the patients but would result in health care costs savings."

According to the study, those in whom it is diagnosed have a long duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis (they're preaching to the choir here!). Celiac Disease has been associated with Osteoporosis, Anemia, and a multitude of associated autoimmune conditions. The recent study that examined a large managed-care database revealed reduced health care costs after the diagnosis of Celiac Disease, such as the reduction of office visits, lab tests, diagnostic imaging, and endoscopy procedures.

"There needs to be greater physician education in the carious modes of presentation and manifestations of Celiac Disease and more use of the widely available screening blood tests that detect the disease," Dr. Green said.

Hopefully, this will spark an interest with organizations such as the Celiac Sprue Assocation. Goodwill organizations like theirs can help with awareness at places like doctors offices and schools in order to inform people that they could have Celiac Disease. 

To find out more about legislation and government links on Celiac Disease, visit CSA's health links.