Angela K Shen1, Rob Warnock2, Jeffrey A Kelman3. 1. National Vaccine Program Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington DC, United States. Electronic address: angela.shen@hhs.gov. 2. Acumen LLC, Burlingame, CA, United States. 3. Center for Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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. Published by Elsevier Ltd.