INTRODUCTION: Early referral for catheter-based esophageal pH monitoring is more cost-effective than empiric proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy to diagnose @entity354 ( @entity354 ). We hypothesize that BRAVO wireless pH monitoring will also demonstrate substantial cost-savings compared to empiric PPI therapy, given its superior sensitivity and comfort. METHODS: We reviewed 100 consecutive @entity1 who underwent wireless pH monitoring for suspected @entity354 at our institution. A cost model and a cost equivalence calculation were generated. Cost-saving analyses were performed for both esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms. RESULTS: Eighty-seven @entity1 were available for analysis. Median PPI use prior to referral was 215  weeks (range 0-520). Forty-three @entity1 (49  %) had BRAVO results diagnosing @entity354 ; 98  % of these had esophageal symptoms. @entity1 with negative BRAVO studies had a median of 113 (0-520) weeks of unnecessary PPI therapy. Cost-savings ranged from  1048 to  15,853 per @entity1 , depending on sensitivity (75-95  %), PPI dosage, and brand. Maximum cost-savings occurred in @entity1 with extraesophageal symptoms ( 2948- 31,389 per @entity1 ). The PPI cost equivalence of BRAVO placement was 36 and 6  weeks for low- and high-dose therapy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BRAVO wireless pH testing is more cost-effective than prolonged empiric medical management for @entity354 and should be incorporated early in the treatment algorithm.

BRAVO esophageal pH monitoring: more cost-effective than empiric medical therapy for suspected XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients', 'patient'] @entity354 :: ('MESH:D005764', 'Disease') :: ['gastroesophageal reflux disease', 'GERD']
@entity354 :: (MESH:D005764,Disease) :: ['gastroesophageal reflux']
