What can be done about vaccine price increases?

In the last few weeks, we have seen price increase announcements on most of the routine vaccines you are providing to patients in your practice. While price increases are difficult for all parties to endure, here are some strategies you can employ to help minimize the negative impact to your practice’s bottom line:

  • Join a buying group like CPP to access discounts on your vaccines.
  • Make sure both your Sanofi Pasteur and Merck direct accounts are linked to the CPP contract to increase savings and maximize your CPP rebate potential.
  • CPP members also enjoy an extended discount period during which Sanofi Pasteur and Merck vaccines can be purchased at pre-increase prices before the new prices take effect. Stock up on vaccines at the pre-increase price if you can!
  • Notify your payers of the new prices as soon as possible. Most payers adjust their payment schedules quarterly. You can advocate for increased vaccine payment by referring insurance companies to the CDC Vaccine Price List for up to date private sector pricing.

Please also remember that the AAP put together a business case for providing vaccines in your practice.  This tool should help guide you in making sure you are fairly compensated for the service you are providing your patients and the population in general.