Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary

Deductible

The amount you pay for health care services before your health insurance plan begins to pay. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, your plan won't pay anything until you've spent $1,000 on medical care or medications. Deductibles reset annually. Keep in mind that some services, including preventive services, may not be subject to the deductible so be sure to check your plan carefully.

Dehydration

This is when there is a lack of fluid in the body that may be related to vomiting, diarrhea, and/or not drinking enough water.

Diarrhea

Bowel movements that are too often, too soft, and/or too loose.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into nutrients that can be used by the body.

Drug Formulary

A list of medications covered by your pharmacy benefits. Formularies often have tiers with different levels of cost-sharing or coinsurance assigned to particular medications or therapies. Cost-sharing assigned to a higher tier typically cost more than those assigned to lower tiers.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the types of gut bacteria present in the body.