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The Cost to Immunize During Well-Child Visits

Department of Pediatrics, University of Califonia, San Diego, Calif and School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Calif, jfontanesi{at}ucsd.edu

Michelle De Guire, MPH, MSW

Department of Pediatrics, University of Califonia, San Diego, Calif

Kathy Holcomb, MA

Department of Pediatrics, University of Califonia, San Diego, Calif

Mark H. Sawyer, MD

Department of Pediatrics, University of Califonia, San Diego, Calif and School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Calif

The objective of this study was to determine the incremental labor costs or opportunity costs associated with the provision of immunizations in ambulatory care settings. A time and motion analysis of primary care health visits by pediatric patients was performed in 10 community clinics and 5 private primary care practices. These clinics and practices were located in areas designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, with traditionally low immunization coverage rates and other unmet primary care needs. The outcome measure for this study was the comparative duration of the visit, contrasting well-child visits during which immunization was given with well-child visits during which no immunization was given. The results suggested that immunizations present an opportunity cost during well-child visits. The average time of patient-provider contact found in this study supports other findings showing that this time is now significantly longer than that reported in the past. In order for providers to comply with increased recommendations and requirements for preventive health care services, the allotted visit time, capitation rates, and overall clinic system effectiveness need to be reexamined.

Key Words: Immunization • labor cost • opportunity cost • patient-provider contact

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