Economic Analysis of a Comprehensive Pain Rehabilitation Program: A Collaboration Between Florida Blue and Mayo Clinic Florida

Objective The cost of caring for patients with chronic pain conditions poses a significant burden to both the healthcare system and patients. We were interested in analyzing the financial costs and benefits of treating these patients in a comprehensive outpatient pain rehabilitation program. Design All participants completed the 3-week outpatient Mayo Clinic Florida Pain Rehabilitation Program (PRC) between October 2011 and September 2013. Healthcare costs were compared during the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-month periods pre- and post-treatment. Patients The sample included 53 patients. Results Medical costs decreased by 86, 68, 64, and 90% in the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-month post-treatment periods, respectively, when compared with the same pretreatment periods. Conclusions The appropriate use of a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program for chronic pain patients can result in a significant reduction in medical costs.