Cost / benefit analysis of a scientifically supported training for health insurance participants with back problems. The example of the Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG.

Year: 2005  Country: Germany   Study Population: N=94/205 (intervention group/control group)

Daschner T, Tschubar F. Cost/benefit analysis of a scientifically supported training for health insurance participants with back problems. The example of the Gothaer Krankenversicherung AG. Manuelle Medizin 2006;44(4):308-312.

Objective

To reduce the high costs of back pain patients through the back training program “integrated functional back pain therapy” implemented according to the FPZ (Research and Prevention Centre / Forschungs- und Präventionszentrum) concept. 

Methods

Using the criterion: “spinal column syndrome with major symptoms”, 400 insured parties from the period 2001–2003 were analyzed from which 94 entered the treatment program. 

The intervention group underwent 24 training session with David Spine Concept (with initial and outcome analysis). 

The services rendered were subjected to a comparative test according to business management criteria with return on investment (ROI).

Outcome

Savings in the intervention group were 5544 EUR on average. Calculated over the period of 4 years from 2000-2003, savings were 1390 EUR per patient per year.

When divided into specific cost criteria, results where more diversified. Between the years 2000-2003 the costs for the insurance company per patient were 17.489,78 EUR in the control group and 11.647,24 EUR in the intervention group. The costs for the back training with 1:1 therapist: patient ratio were 1247,55 EURO. 

This shows that over the period of 4 years for total costs a ROI of 4,7:1 was achieved. This means
that for every EUR invested into active back training a benefit of 4,7 EUR compared to the control group could be achieved.