Some physicians overpay for vaccines, studies show

Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System found a variety of costs and reimbursements for vaccines, with some practices considering dropping inoculations because of the financial strain.

The two studies, one looking at vaccine costs and the other a survey of physician perspectives, included 1,280 pediatric and family-physician practices. The cost study found that the price-per-dose of one brand of hepatitis B vaccine, for example, ranged from $4.26 to $13.06 at different medical practices. Reimbursements of the MMR vaccine ranged from $16.77 to $59.02.

Many physicians surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the price and reimbursement levels of vaccines.