[Theoretical cost of the medical treatment of a case of tuberculosis in France in 1982].

The theoretical cost of the medical treatment of a case of tuberculosis in France in 1982 was calculated after considering the price of diagnosis, drugs, in-patient care and follow up. For exclusively out-patient (ambulatory) care, 9 months treatment was 10 times less expensive than a therapeutic regime which included a hospital/sanatorium stay of four months followed by a return home. The major differences of theoretical costs involved were more closely related to location of treatment rather than either the drugs chosen (as Rifampicin was always used), or the type of follow up over 9 months.