Trends in Medical Care Expenditures of US Adults with Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions 1997 to 2005

Mean annual ambulatory and prescription expenditures for adults with Arthritis increased far above the rate of medical inflation, offsetting a relative decline in inpatient expenditures. Increases in overall mean and aggregate total expenditures are attributable to the increasing number of adults with Arthritis and at least one comorbid chronic condition. Projected increases in this population suggest that these expenditures will continue to rise.