Open AccessEconomic Analysis of a Comprehensive Pain Rehabilitation Program: A Collaboration Between Florida Blue and Mayo Clinic Florida
Author(s) -
Sletten Christopher D.,
Kurklinsky Svetlana,
Chinburapa Vijit,
Ghazi Salim
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/pme.12679
Subject(s) - rehabilitation , medicine , medical costs , physical therapy , chronic pain , health care , outpatient visits , outpatient clinic , economics , economic growth
Abstract Objective The cost of caring for patients with chronic pain conditions poses a significant burden to both the healthcare system and patients. We were interested in analyzing the financial costs and benefits of treating these patients in a comprehensive outpatient pain rehabilitation program. Design All participants completed the 3‐week outpatient Mayo Clinic Florida Pain Rehabilitation Program (PRC) between October 2011 and September 2013. Healthcare costs were compared during the 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month periods pre‐ and post‐treatment. Patients The sample included 53 patients. Results Medical costs decreased by 86, 68, 64, and 90% in the 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month post‐treatment periods, respectively, when compared with the same pretreatment periods. Conclusions The appropriate use of a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program for chronic pain patients can result in a significant reduction in medical costs.