Early rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and ongoing care can result in cost savings. Research conducted by Arthritis Research Canada's scientists observed four main aspects of rheumatoid arthritis treatment ‒ access to rheumatology care, yearly follow-up, timely treatment, and ongoing treatment with anti-rheumatic drugs. The study was conducted over a five-year period in Ontario of 13,293 individuals over the age of 65 with rheumatoid arthritis.
Early rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and ongoing care can result in cost savings. Research conducted by Arthritis Research Canada's scientists observed four main aspects of rheumatoid arthritis treatment ‒ access to rheumatology care, yearly follow-up, timely treatment, and ongoing treatment with anti-rheumatic drugs. The study was conducted over a five-year period in Ontario of 13,293 individuals over the age of 65 with rheumatoid arthritis. It examined healthcare utilization, average healthcare costs, and any extra costs resulting from the four main aspects observed. It showed over the five years that the average healthcare cost per individual increased annually. However, only 35% of participants were consistent with the four main aspects of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Within this group, savings were driven by lower complex continuing care, home care, and long-term care costs, as well as fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits. Meanwhile, individuals with no access to rheumatology care experienced a 20% rise in healthcare costs. "This study showed that access to rheumatologists for rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and early treatment are associated with lower total healthcare cost" says Dr. Claire Barber, research scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. "Investments in improving access to care may result in long-term health system savings." Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with high economic burden to patients and health systems.
