Decreases in health care resource utilization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis following a cognitive behavioral...

We previously reported the efficacy of a multicomponent cognitive-behavioral intervention including biofeedback to decrease pain, affective distress, and objective measures of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present article we report evidence that this intervention is associated with reductions in RA-related clinic visits and days hospitalized as well as reductions in the costs of these medical services. Data were independently and objectively collected over an 18-month interval as part of a controlled group outcome study. The importance of documenting economic as well as clinical benefits of our treatments in specific patient populations is noted.