Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease has increased in pediatric populations over the last decade. Patients diagnosed in childhood survive well into adulthood. As such, a well-coordinated, seamless transition to adult health-care settings for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is required to assure the delivery of high-quality care. The interplay of the primary care physician (PCP) and gastroenterologist can help foster the delivery of comprehensive disease management for the IBD patient. This chapter will focus on the complexities involved in the transition to adult care and the clinical areas where the PCP can assist the subspecialist in the co-management of IBD patients.