[Costs of non-specific low back pain in Austria]

The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the annual direct costs of chronic non-specific low back pain in Austria in patients currently undergoing in-patient rehabilitation or out-patient treatment. 48 patients participated in the study. Average direct medical costs per patient year as paid by the sick funds were € 1443,-, in-patient rehabilitation was the single most expensive direct cost factor. Non-medical costs, that is, mainly household assistance and home adaptations, were € 394,-; deductibles and non-reimbursable medical costs were € 329. On average, patients had 2.7 co-morbidities (men: 2.2; women: 2.9).