Acid reflux (GERD) treatment
Ages 18-64
FSA or HSA eligible
When you need it, get treatment for acid reflux disease (GERD) from an online physician or NP. With Optum Clinic, you can receive virtual treatment on your timetable from reputable telehealth providers at a fixed cost with no unexpected charges. Pay a fixed price; visits with insurance are not accepted. If you have health insurance, it might pay for the cost of the prescription drugs you take.
Quickly receive virtual care from a licenced clinician without making an appointment
Respond to a few health inquiries and make contact with a physician.
Any prescribed medication can be delivered or picked up at the pharmacy of your choice.
A fixed visitation fee is required; insurance is not accepted.
Both our policies and the law secure and protect your health data.
Commonly Prescribed Medications:
Tailored treatment plans for acid reflux (GERD) incorporate prescription medications aimed at reducing acid production in the stomach. Additionally, your clinician might suggest over-the-counter heartburn remedies and self-care strategies to complement your treatment.
1- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
2- Pantoprazole (Protonix)
3- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
What you will Need
A photo ID (a driver's license or passport)
5 to 10 minutes to answer questions about your symptoms and health history
Complete the intake form.
Speak with a clinician without making an appointment.
Obtain a customised treatment strategy
It's important that you understand
Your clinician can suggest that you see a healthcare professional in person based on the information they have about your health. You won't be billed for your visit if that occurs. At present time, Optum Health Clinic is not intended for users of government payor programmes, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and does not accept insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drugs are available through Optum Clinic for acid reflux?
Prescription acid reflux (GERD) medications fall into two categories: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), sometimes referred to as H2 blockers. Both kinds of medications aim to stop the stomach's production of acid.
Your clinician may recommend an H2RA, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) or nizatidine (Axid AR), if you experience mild symptoms less than twice a week and have never tried prescription-strength heartburn medication.
Your doctor may recommend a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or esomeprazole (Nexium), if you have severe symptoms or symptoms that occur more than twice a week. H2RAs are less effective than PPIs in treating GERD.
If you've tried PPIs and they haven't helped, you should consult a primary care physician or other reliable healthcare professional.
Please note:This information serves as general guidance. Your clinician will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine the most suitable heartburn treatments, if any, for your specific needs
What distinguishes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from acid reflux and heartburn?
The painful burning sensation in the chest or throat that results from acid reflux is known as heartburn. This condition occurs when stomach contents travel upward rather than downward. Gastritis reflux is another name for acid reflux. An extreme type of acid reflux is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Optum Health Clinic offers simple GERD therapy as well as acid reflux treatment.
What signs of GERD, or acid reflux, are present?
Heartburn: characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, typically occurring after meals.
Regurgitation: involves the backflow of gastric acid and/or undigested food from the stomach into the throat or mouth.
More severe cases of GERD, symptoms may include:
• Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
• Feelings of nausea or episodes of vomiting
• Heartburn disrupting sleep
Should you experience any of these severe symptoms, it's crucial to seek guidance from a trusted healthcare professional such as a primary care physician (PCP) or gastroenterologist (GI) for thorough evaluation and necessary testing
How may my GERD be relieved?
Your doctor may suggest a step-up or step-down strategy for treating your GERD symptoms, depending on how severe your symptoms are.
A step-up treatment plan entails lowering the dosage of medication at first and then increasing it till the symptoms subside. A doctor might, for instance, start with a low-dose H2RA, increase the dosage, and then switch to a low-dose PPI.
A step-down strategy begins with a greater dosage of medication and gradually reduces it as long as the patient's symptoms remain under control. For instance, a doctor may first recommend an H2RA and then a regular PPI dosage.
Taking an antacid may provide short-term relief from minor symptoms of acid reflux disease (GERD), such as heartburn and regurgitation that occur less frequently than once a week. These over-the-counter (OTC) drugs don't treat GERD; nevertheless, they can start working in as little as five minutes and continue for up to an hour. Another over-the-counter drug that may provide temporary relief from acid reflux symptoms is sodium alginate. Prescription drugs and these drugs can be taken simultaneously.
Are there natural treatments for heartburn or acid reflux?
Based on clinical data, the following natural therapies for acid reflux/heartburn may help ease your symptoms:
• If your doctor has told you that you are overweight, try to lose weight
• Sleep with your head raised six to eight inches
• Avoid foods and beverages that make your symptoms worse (e.g., caffeine, soda, chocolate, spicy foods)
Additionally, there appears to be some benefit to chewing gum, not smoking or drinking alcohol, doing abdominal breathing exercises, and wearing looser clothing.
Can I pay for a visit or prescription drugs with my health insurance?
At this time, Optum Clinic does not accept health insurance for visits. You can submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement, but we can’t guarantee they’ll reimburse you.
The cost of medication is not included in the cost of our visit.
How does Optum Clinic protect my health information?
Optum Clinic protects your health information by strictly following the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA governs what Optum Clinic and your healthcare providers can do with your medical information, as well as your contact and payment information. Optum Clinic doesn’t and will never sell your personal information. Learn more on our privacy page.