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The rising cost of musculoskeletal conditions in Australia

Physiotherapy

Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria have produced a report called “A Problem Worth Solving: the rising cost of musculoskeletal conditions in Australia” which is based on an analysis by Deloitte Access Economics. Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are the largest National Health Priority Area in Australia, and you can see why with statistics such as these:

  • 6.1 million – the number of cases of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions estimated to be in the Australian population in 2012; that is 26.9% of the population
  • 8.7 million – the number of cases of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions projected in Australia by the year 2032
  • $55.1 billion – the estimated total cost of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions in Australia in 2012
  • $6.05 billion – the estimated productivity loss association with lower employment rates for workers with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions in 2012
  • $4.79 billion – the direct cost of treatment of back problems in Australia in 2012

Costs of arthritis and musculoskeletal also include the cost of carers, aids and home modification, as well as the cost of travel to and from health care appointments. Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria are calling for intervention in the areas of direct health costs, productivity costs and the future impact on the aged care system. My Health Career thinks that there will be a lot of busy physiotherapists, GPs and occupational therapists looking after Australians with musculoskeletal conditions in the future!!

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