Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) likely to be encountered in primary care. Patient-centered care is essential for positive outcomes, and should include long-term continuity with an empathetic primary care provider who can provide skillful coordination of the requisite multidisciplinary approach. Early suspicion of the diagnosis and referral to expert gastroenterologists for confirmation and medical management is essential. Coordinating interdisciplinary consultations, including colorectal surgeons, radiologists, stoma therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists, in combination with comprehensive patient education, is key to decreasing overall morbidity, mortality, and health care costs associated with IBD.
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