Cost-effectiveness for risk-stratified patients isn’t necessarily better than usual care for lower back pain in the military health system, according to a study in the July 15 issue of Spine.
Researchers assessed usual care and risk-stratified care for low back pain in 271 patients in the U.S. military health system. While outcomes weren’t different between groups, risk-stratified care has been touted to use fewer resources.
Mean back-related medical costs weren’t significantly different in risk-stratified patients and those having usual care. There weren’t significant differences in quality-adjusted life-years either.
The study concluded, “Risk-stratified care was not cost-effective for medium-risk and low-risk individuals compared with usual care. Further research is needed to assess whether there is value for high-risk individuals or for other risk-stratification approaches.”
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