Rheumatoid arthritis is a "significant but potentially manageable contributor to employers' health costs", according to study results published in the February Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study analyzed direct and indirect costs associated with rheumatoid arthritis in 8,502 employees at nine companies in the United States compared to a matched group without rheumatoid arthritis.
- Average total costs for employees with rheumatoid arthritis were $4244 (2003 dollars) greater than for those without the disease.
- Most of the extra cost was associated with direct medical care. Indirect costs such as absenteeism and short-term disability were only slightly higher for employees with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis was the fourth most costly chronic condition per employee compared to other chronic conditions. Heart disease, hypertension, and depression were higher.
The study concluded that early treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis can lower long-term disability cost and improve productivity of employees with the disease.
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