Table 4 Mean costs (€) made in 26 weeks after first consultation for shoulder complaints (n = 492)

Direct health care costs

69 ± 66

32 ± 57

52 ± 179

152 ± 232

General Practitioner

31 ± 17

4 ± 54

5 ± 14

40 ± 29

Allied health professionals

34 ± 62

25 ± 53

34 ± 87

93 ± 158

Specialists

2 ± 12

1 ± 9

5 ± 26

8 ± 36

Prescribed medication

2 ± 6

1 ± 3

1 ± 4

4 ± 10

Hospitalisation

-

-

6 ± 138

6 ± 138

Direct non-health care costs

30 ± 102

26 ± 108

41 ± 146

98 ± 293

Alternative therapists

5 ± 33

3 ± 28

8 ± 55

16 ± 94

Over-the-counter medication

2 ± 9

1 ± 9

4 ± 51

7 ± 58

Out-of-pocket expenses

2 ± 16

1 ± 8

1 ± 6

4 ± 21

Home care

1 ± 10

0.4 ± 7

2 ± 17

3 ± 27

Paid help

4 ± 31

5 ± 37

6 ± 49

15 ± 107

Help from partner/relatives/friends

10 ± 75

7 ± 76

8 ± 54

25 ± 168

Extra activities

7 ± 34

8 ± 45

12 ± 59

28 ± 100

Total direct costs

99 ± 130

58 ± 134

93 ± 244

250 ± 408

Indirect costs

Sick leave from paid work

125 ± 654

69 ± 461

130 ± 790

324 ± 1635

Sick leave from unpaid work

16 ± 83

12 ± 85

13 ± 82

42 ± 208

Unable to perform usual activities

12 ± 66

7 ± 57

9 ± 63

28 ± 139

Unable to perform hobbies

24 ± 85

10 ± 49

12 ± 59

46 ± 140

Total indirect costs

177 ± 711

99 ± 505

164 ± 829

439 ± 1751

Total costs

276 ± 758

156 ± 564

257 ± 962

689 ± 1965