Estimating the Economic Burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Taiwan Using the National Health Insurance Database.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of the joints.

Objectives

This research aims to estimate the economic burden of RA in Taiwan.

Methods

The National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), a claims-based dataset encompassing 99 % of Taiwan's population, was applied. We used a micro-costing approach for direct healthcare costs and indirect social costs by estimating the quantities and prices of cost categories. Direct costs included surgeries, hospitalizations, medical devices and materials, laboratory tests, and drugs. The costs and quantities of the direct economic burden were calculated based on 2011 data of NHIRD. We identified RA patients and a control cohort matched 1:4 on demogr

SUBMITTER: Wang BC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4819475 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature