Investigating Associations Between Access to Rheumatology Care, Treatment, Continuous Care, and Healthcare Utilization and Costs Among Older Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors' conclusion
Access to rheumatologists for RA diagnosis, timely treatment, and ongoing care are associated with lower total healthcare costs at 5 years.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals aged > 65 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Ontario, Canada, diagnosed 2002–2014, follow-up to 2019 (mean age 73.7 years; 68% female)
- Participants
- 13,293 individuals
- Exposure
- Performance measures not met vs met
- Outcome
- Total direct healthcare costs associated with performance measures
- Follow-up
- Year 5
Methodological detailsmultivariable analyses
- Multivariable analyses
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Total direct healthcare costs, multivariable
Higher costs, access to rheumatology care not met
20%
95% CI 8–32
Measures not met
Higher costs, timely treatment not met
6%
95% CI 1–12
Measures not met
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Total mean direct healthcare cost per individual · year 5
- Increased annually; mean cost in year 5 (CAD)
- $13,929
All 4 performance measures met
- Proportion of individuals
- 35%
Drivers of cost savings when all 4 measures met
- Lower complex continuing care, home care and long-term care costs; fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits
Original publication
Investigating Associations Between Access to Rheumatology Care, Treatment, Continuous Care, and Healthcare Utilization and Costs Among Older Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Rheumatol. Published 15 January 2023. doi:10.
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