• G Lindena, U Marnitz, P Hartmann, and G Müller.
• CLARA Klinische Forschung, Clara-Zetkin-Str. 34, 14532, Kleinmachnow, Deutschland. gabriele.lindena@clara-klifo.de
• Schmerz. 2012 Dec 1;26(6):677-84.

QuestionBack pain is a challenge for case management but is a health insurance fund (HIF) that identifies high risk patients and includes them in a back pain assessment and a multimodal program cost-effective?MethodsCase managers of a HIF contacted selected patients and requested information on pain and current perspectives. Patients in the intervention group were offered a multimodal assessment and, if applicable, a multimodal treatment program. Control group patients received verbal or written (back book) information. Cost data were evaluated with respect to the interview data 1 year prior and 1 year afterwards.FindingsOf the 800 insured persons contacted 621 were nationwide, 88 were regional controls and 91 were intervention patients. Inability to work was still rising in all groups but less in the intervention group versus both control groups. Drugs, hospital as well as cure/adjuvant costs were less for intervention patients than in both control groups. The investment for the program was thus more than refinanced.InterpretationCase management was well accepted but the intervention was in need of training for case managers and the specific diagnostic and treatment option regionally.FundingThe HIF was responsible for the study investment and project partners shared the training of the HIF regional case managers.

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