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Is spa therapy cost-effective in rheumatic disorders?
P Allard1, J Deligne, V Van Bockstael
1National Health Insurance Payment Center for Northern France, Lille, France.
Revue Du Rhumatisme (English Ed.)
|May 9, 1998
Summary
Spa therapy for rheumatic diseases did not reduce healthcare costs for most patients. Only first-time spa therapy users showed decreased utilization of rheumatology services and medications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Health Economics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Spa therapy is a reimbursed treatment in France for rheumatic diseases and bone/joint injuries.
- Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of spa therapy is crucial for national health insurance policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of spa therapy for rheumatic conditions.
- To analyze healthcare utilization and costs before and after spa therapy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized, case-control study design was employed.
- 220 patients seeking spa therapy were analyzed, with 72 meeting criteria and 148 randomized to spa therapy or no spa therapy.
- Healthcare cost reimbursements by national health insurance were the primary efficacy measure.
Main Results:
- Overall healthcare costs did not decrease post-spa therapy; costs increased for patients with prior spa therapy experience.
- First-time spa therapy users exhibited reduced rheumatology healthcare utilization, notably in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and muscle relaxant use.
- No significant differences in healthcare utilization were observed for patients with previous spa therapy or those not meeting criteria.
Conclusions:
- Current national health insurance reimbursement policies for spa therapy require reevaluation.
- The cost-effectiveness of spa therapy appears limited, particularly for repeat users.