Comment in Z Gastroenterol. 2003 Sep;41(9):963-4. BACKGROUND: Outpatient care managed by general practitioners plays an important role in diagnostic and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The chronic recurrent course often requires intensive and costly medical care. OBJECTIVE: To measure the costs of outpatient care for patients with IBD provided by general practitioners (GPs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis is based on an electronic data base implemented in 100 general practices in different parts of Germany. 191 patients with altogether 705 consultations over a period of one year were included in the analysis. Costs of care were measured using German fee schedules for health care delivery and market prices for drugs. RESULTS: In a 12-months-period the mean number GP-contacts was 3.6. Mean costs were 23.61 euro; per visit and annual costs were 87.15 euro; per patient. Pharmacotherapy was used by 147 patients (77%) and caused costs of 613.40 euro; per year, with 64% due to the use of salicylates. 66 patients (35%) also had diagnostic services provided from specialists, 7 patients (4%) required psychotherapeutic care. CONCLUSION: The presented study is the first to analyse in detail the costs for medical care of IBD in general practices in Germany. Results can be used in economic assessment of the disease and in cost-effectiveness-analyses of intervention strategies. They may support treatment guidelines and treatment decisions from an economic point of view.