OBJECTIVES: The management of the large patient population chronically treated with oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) poses organisational challenges that in Italy are traditionally approached with centralised procedures, relying on hospital-based clinics. However, the availability of near-patient testing devices for the monitoring of OAT effectiveness (INR measurement) allows for alternative or complementary management models (patient self-monitoring – PSM). PSM has been proven effective and safe, and could be attractive, especially in the perspective of the patient, whose life could be severely affected by the costs and times implied in the process of the OAT management. In order to assess PSM potential economic impact in Italy, there is a need for real-world economic and organisational data. This study was planned to investigate treatment patterns and to estimate the average costs borne by OAT patients in Italy. METHODS: A 19-item questionnaire, investigating the characteristics of the patient, his/her therapeutic regimens,  the structures involved and the distances from home, the frequencies and the amount of time implied in the management of the OAT, was developed and administered with the support of the main Italian OAT patients’ association. Returned questionnaires were checked for consistence and valid data were summarised. Travelling costs and earning losses were evaluated according to published prices.  RESULTS: A total of 4722 valid questionnaires were returned from all over Italy. The prevalent OAT management model in this sample relies on hospital-based anticoagulation clinics. Patients incur significant transportation, earning loss, and other out-of pocket costs at an estimated mean overall monthly cost of about €30. The distribution of costs in the population is wide, and depends mainly on monitoring frequency, home-clinic distance, and employment status. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to clarify the organisational models of the Italian OAT population and delivers data on patients’ costs that may be used when evaluating alternative management options.