OBJECTIVES: In the Central Eastern European (CEE) region sample sizes of EQ-5D-3L population norms for the elderly are relatively small, and are not representative for education, a major determinant of health. We investigated the occurrence of health problems by the EQ-5D-3L dimensions above 65 years of age in chronic outpatients versus the general population of the CEE region. METHODS: From three recent large EQ-5D-3L studies conducted on large representative population samples in Hungary, Poland and Slovenia, after calibrating for age, gender and education, we estimated a population norm for the CEE region. We investigated the occurrence of problems in 6 chronic conditions from cross-sectional studies conducted in ambulatory specialist centres in Hungary. Odds ratios (OR) adjusted by age and gender were calculated for each EQ-5D-3L dimension, as well as for any problems and severe problems across all dimensions. RESULTS: The population norm database involved 997 65+-year-old respondents (age range: 65-92 years, female: 61.5%). We included 678 elderly outpatients with the following conditions: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), dementia, bladder cancer (BC), osteoporosis (OP) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Health problems in any domain occurred more frequently compared to the general population in dementia (p<0.05) and less frequently in BPH (p>0.05). The difference was not significant in four conditions. The prevalence of any problems was greatest in mobility and pain/discomfort for PAD (OR: 5.5 and 2.1, respectively) and in self-care, usual activities and anxiety/depression for dementia (OR: 2.5, 3.1 and 3.8, respectively). Severe problems of mobility, self-care, usual activities and anxiety/depression were most prevalent in dementia (OR: 10.2, 13.0, 16.7 and 16.4, respectively), and in pain/discomfort for PAD (OR: 6.3). CONCLUSIONS: The problem frequencies varied greatly among chronic disorders. The regional EQ-5D-3L population norm allows to overcome the challenges of assessing the health profiles of elderly patient populations.