| Objective: To estimate the national prevalence and direct incremental expenditures of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) using the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data.;Methods: A retrospective database analysis was conducted and individuals with MSD's (ICD-9-CM codes 274.00; 710.00-738.00) were identified. Dependent variables were total health care and other service category expenditures. The study utilized descriptive and regression analyses.;Results: In 2007, the national prevalence of MSD's was 33 million with incremental costs of ;Conclusion: The systematic assessment of MSD's and their associated incremental costs to the society is essential in increasing the awareness of decision makers to implement intervention strategies that are effective in lowering the disease incidence and in reducing the overall cost of disease management. |
