[Naturopathy as a contribution to cost control. Attempt at a cost analysis].
OBJECTIVE
A data analysis has been performed to investigate to what extent naturopathy may contribute to reducing costs of medical care.


METHODS
The study included anonymous data from the second quarter of 1988 obtained from the North-Württemberg Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung (insurance company). Physicians practicing in this area at that time were compared to a similarly large collective of those designated additionally as naturopaths and/or homeopaths.


RESULTS
Differences between the two groups were significant with respect to drug costs and disability certificates however not with respect to physician fees.
Wiesenauer
M
M
Forschungsstelle Allgemeinmedizin, Universität Ulm.
Groh
P
P
Häussler
S
S
D003363:Cost Control / Q000639:trends; D005858:Germany; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000639:trends*; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D009324:Naturopathy / Q000191:economics*
Naturheilkunde als Beitrag zur Kostendämpfung. Versuch einer Kostenanalyse.