Abstract

MONTOYA, Nora; GOMEZ, Liliana; VELEZ, Mauricio  and  ROSSELLI, Diego. Direct treatment-cost of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Medellín, Colombia. Rev.Colomb.Reumatol. [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.1, pp.26-33. ISSN 0121-8123.

Objective: to analyze clinical variables and direct costs of a sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis from a specialized pharmacotherapeutic management center in Medellin, Colombia. Methods: we reviewed 408 clinical files of the period 2007-2009 collecting clinical information and direct costs to a local private health insurer. Results: 337 women (82.6%), average age 49.8 (range 4-91). Average monthly cost increased from Col$1.31 million (around US$650) in 2007, to Col$1.71 million (~US$850) in 2008, and Col$1.99 million (~US$1000) in 2009; 87.9% of this cost represented by pharmaceuticals. Conclusions: costs of treatment are increasing, pharmaceuticals represent an important proportion of total cost.

Keywords : rheumatoid arthritis; cost and cost analysis; health economics; descriptive study.

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