Abstract
Introduction: The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a Medicare benefit designed to help prevent disease and disability based on individualized health and risk factors. Methods: This study analyzes Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims from 2011 to 2016 to assess AWV and seasonal influenza and pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations utilization over time. Results: Utilization of the AWV has increased from 8% of Medicare beneficiaries in 2011 to 19% in 2015. In each year, influenza and PCV13 vaccination rates are higher among those who utilize the benefit. More than one-third (33%) of patients who had an AWV in 2015 received a PCV13 vaccination in that same year, compared to 14% of those who did not. Similarly, the seasonal influenza vaccination rate was 64% among those with an AWV and 44% among those without. Conclusion: The AWV demonstrates promise for improving immunization rates among Medicare beneficiaries particularly at the point of care.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Vaccine |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Annual wellness visit
- Centers for medicare & medicaid
- Vaccination coverage
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Medicine
- General Immunology and Microbiology
- General Veterinary
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases