Indirect cost assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): comparison of data from the health economic patient questionnaire HEQ-RA and insurance claims data.

Objective: To render information on the accuracy of patient-reported indirect cost data compared with payer-derived data of the real indirect costs on a patient-by-patient basis concerning disease-related productivity losses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: The assessment of indirect cost data was part of a clinical, multicenter, randomized RA trial. A total of 234 patients of working age with a diagnosis of RA (according to 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria) were recruited.

Patient-reported health care utilization in rheumatoid arthritis: what level of detail is required?

Objective: To investigate the level of detail required in self-reported health care utilization questionnaires for administration to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: A preliminary questionnaire was developed on the basis of existing tools for use in rheumatic conditions and in-depth interviews with 10 RA patients. Data gathered over 1 year of administration in a clinical setting were then matched to a comprehensive database of payer-reported information.