Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
[Costs and benefits of an education program for patients with ankylosing spondylitis as part of an inpatient rehabilitation programs-study design and first results].
The economic evaluation of a patient education program "ankylosing spondylitis"-based on a randomised controlled prospective multi-center study design-compares program costs and savings in direct and indirect follow-up costs. The collection of health services and cost data was conducted by questioning staff (education programme costs) and patients (follow-up costs). ⋯ Savings in indirect costs (unfitness to work) amount to 2500 euro and thus overcompensate program costs. Currently patient data are verified by sickness fund data and direct follow-up costs and qualitiy of life data are analysed.
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About 25% of administrations are for off-label indications. The treatment of many rheumatic diseases includes off-label use. Reimbursement from the health insurance is possible if no other approved therapy is available, and if scientific studies prove the effectiveness of the drug.