Fortschr Med. 1992 Jun; 110(17): 311-4.

[Naturopathy as a contribution to cost control. Attempt at a cost analysis]

Wiesenauer M, Groh P, H�ussler S.

Forschungsstelle Allgemeinmedizin, Universit�t Ulm.

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-W�rttemberg Kassen�rztlichen 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.