Lanes SF, Lanza LL, Radensky PW et al.
Arthritis & Rheumatism, 1997;40:1475-1481.

The costs of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a managed care setting were assessed. The utilization records of medical and pharmacy services from a health maintenance organization (HMO) were examined. Using Medicare reimbursement schedules and average wholesale drug costs, estimates were made for the cost of drugs and medical services for those with arthritis. The total cost for RA was US$703,053 with the individual cost at US$2,162 (n = 365). Medications accounted for 62% of the total cost, ambulatory care was 21% and hospital visits 16%. The total cost of OA patients was US$4,728,425 with the individual cost being US$543 per year
(n = 10,101). Of the total cost, hospital care was 46%; medication 32% and ambulatory care 22%. Given the greater prevalence of OA, OA care was almost seven times more costly than RA.