Vogenberg R, Harber M. GERD disrupts the workforce and your company’s workday. HRProfessionalsMagazine. 

GERD is a common diagnosis and frequently diagnosed in a high cost of care setting. More than one-quarter of the US population are reported to suffer episodes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Despite widespread access to medications, mild-to-moderate GERD accounts for increasing total claim cost per year in total employer-sponsored health plan expenditures. Over 5 million new GERD diagnoses are made in the U.S., of which almost 10% diagnosed occurred in the highest cost emergency room setting.  Depending upon the seriousness, a hospitalization can occur and frequently a 30-day readmission related to GERD.  Surgical options have evolved since the first use of Nissen fundoplication 65 years ago for patients.  Many can access or seek medications if they are compliant, respond to therapy or don’t suffer adverse events. For the smaller and more expensive group of plan members with chronic GERD,  non-invasive surgical options have evolved since 1956.

Read the full article here https://hrprofessionalsmagazine.com/2021/07/29/gerd-disrupts-the-workforce-and-your-companys-workday/