Significant differences in healthcare costs and utilization among irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients highlight persistent racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in the United States. A study analyzing data from nearly 100,000 IBS patients found that Asian and Hispanic individuals experience notably lower all-cause and IBS-specific healthcare costs compared to Black and White patients. Median annual IBS-specific costs were particularly high for Black patients, a finding that underscores racial inequities in the health system.
Emergency department visits painted a striking contrast. Black patients were more likely to visit the emergency department than their White counterparts, while Asian and Hispanic patients were less likely. However, Hispanic patients experienced additional benefits, with fewer hospitalizations, shorter stays, and decreased hospitalization costs when compared to White patients. Prescription medication also revealed disparities: Black patients faced higher prescription costs than any other group, while these costs were lower for Asian and Hispanic patients.
Gender differences also played a significant role, with men reporting lower healthcare costs, including median costs for prescriptions and lab testing. Yet, men incurred higher hospitalization and endoscopy costs. Researchers noted that women demonstrated greater overall and IBS-related healthcare spending, but the gender gap in spending narrowed for IBS-specific care.
The findings stressed biological and social factors associated with race, ethnicity, and gender that influence care-seeking behaviors and cost allocation. Such disparities highlight the systemic issues impacting access and affordability for underserved populations.
See: “In IBS, Patient Health Care Use, Costs Differ by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender” (February 5, 2025)
