Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common rheumatic diseases in Japan. The medical costs of care associated with RA are likely to be a function of patients' disability level. A multinational team of researchers assessed the medical costs associated with care among patients with RA and their satisfaction with care, and reported the results at the First Asia-Pacific International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research conference [Kobe, Japan; September 2003].12Investigators from Thailand presented the results of a study evaluating the pattern of use and costs associated with COX-2 inhibitors.3