The prevalence of autoimmune inflammatory diseases is expected to increase among the employed population, so an examination of the economic burden allows employers to understand where the cost drivers may be. Employers can benefit from understanding the total economic burden of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, because these conditions are most prevalent in working age populations.

This analysis examines the total cost burden of autoimmune inflammatory diseases from the perspective of employees and employers by using direct and available indirect costs from a national data source, including total direct medical costs, number of absence days, and indirect costs related to work absences.

This study was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (subscription required).