Today, 1 in 3 adults have reflux symptoms monthly and it is estimated that over 50 million adults have symptoms several times each week. To help these individuals, RefluxMD, Inc. ofï¬cially launched its services today taking action to ï¬ght the growing incidence of reflux disease in the United States through knowledge, community, and innovative online tools for consumers.
"Despite spending over $15 billion annually on prescription and over-the-counter medications, the incidence of reflux disease and the serious complications that may result are growing at a rate of 30% each decade," said Bruce Kaechele, CEO and founder of RefluxMD. "The status quo approach to the diagnosis and treatment of reflux disease is expensive and ineffective as we rapidly approach epidemic levels."
The cost to employers is enormous. Studies have found that individuals suffering from reflux disease, also know as GERD, cost employers approximately $3,355 more annually than employees without reflux disease. In addition, a study by the American College of Gastroenterology found that the cost to employers from absenteeism and lost productivity due to reflux disease was $1.9 billion each week, or almost $100 billion annually.
RefluxMD is the only comprehensive online service designed for consumers exclusively focused on reflux disease. On its website the company offers a variety of innovative tools to enable sufferers to understand, manage, and halt the progression of their disease. The most unique of these tools are:
Interactive online reflux disease assessment;
Online application allowing members to ask a conï¬dential question to a reflux expert;
Screened and vetted expert physicians available to connect with members, and;
Online priority scheduling of appointments with RefluxMD's participating physicians.
RefluxMD's platform was designed with three leading reflux disease clinical experts: Dr. Tom DeMeester, Dr. Para Chandrasoma, and Dr. William Dengler. Drs. DeMeester and Chandrasoma are both internationally recognized as thought leaders in reflux disease, and Dr. Dengler, also an acknowledged GERD expert, has assisted hospitals and physician groups to establish comprehensive Heartburn Treatment Centers. This collective knowledge and clinical practice expertise has culminated in the development of the Pasadena Protocol, a new set of conventions, principals, and behaviors that have the power to dramatically impact the treatment of reflux disease.
About RefluxMD, Inc.
RefluxMD is a San Diego, CA -based Internet healthcare company focused on gastroesophageal reflux disease, offering sufferers a complete personalized reflux resource. Working with physicians, employers and healthcare payers, RefluxMD will drive higher patient satisfaction, improved medical outcomes, and lower healthcare costs.