Table 1 Cost components measure in cost questionnaire
Cost component | Parameter | Recall period | Valuation* |
|---|---|---|---|
Utilization of paid and unpaid help | Nature of help, duration (hours), outlays | 4 weeks | Mean gross wage of a housekeeper |
Travel expenses | Type of transportation, number of rides, cost (if public transportation) or kilometers (car) | 4 weeks | Outlays (public transportation), official schedule of travel expenses (car) |
Physical activities, gym activities | Type of activity, average number per week, duration, outlays | 4 weeks | Average prices per activity |
Physician services | Specialization of physician, number of consultations, services performed | 12 weeks | Mean reimbursement per consultation |
Intake of prescribed medication | Name of medication, current daily dosage, changes in medication or dosage | 12 weeks | Official pharmaceutical price list |
Intake of unprescribed medication | Name of medicine, number and size of packages purchased | 12 weeks | Official pharmaceutical price list |
Physical therapeutics/non-physician services | Type and number of services | 12 weeks | Pricing schedule of statutory health insurance |
Alternative care | Type and number of services, outlays | 12 weeks | Outlays or price schedule of alternative care |
Medical products | Type of product, outlays/cost | 12 weeks | Average market prices |
Change in diet | Type of dietary changes, estimated additional outlays | 12 weeks | Outlays estimated by patients |
Lost productive time | Reason for lost productive time, duration | 12 weeks | Average sex- and age-adjusted labor costs |
Inpatient stay | Reason for inpatient treatment, duration | 12 weeks | Average per diem rates** |