Some doctors mull not vaccinating privately insured children

A new University of Michigan survey of pediatricians has found that 10 percent are considering no longer offering vaccinations to privately insured children because of low reimbursement rates from insurance companies ( Source: “Doctors may stop high-cost vaccines,” Associated Press/Akron Beacon-Journal, Dec. 1, 2008).

A related survey, also conducted by the University of Michigan, found that one in 10 doctors lost money on one recommended vaccine, but other doctors made nearly $40 per dose on the same shot.

The first study was based on a mail-in survey last year of nearly 1,300 pediatricians and family physicians; nearly 800 responded. The second survey asked doctors what they paid for vaccines and how much they were reimbursed by private insurers. It was answered by 76 doctors in five states, representing about 20 percent of those asked to participate.

The results of both the surveys were published in the journal Pediatrics.