KEYWORD1:
cost effectiveness, clinic efficiency, immunization rates, immunization registries

BACKGROUND:
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has ahd a functional immunization registry operating in all 99 counties, several community health centers and WIC agencies since 1996. This immunization registry documents immunizations and provides a record for multiple caregivers to coordinate immunization care. The addition fo private providers is necessary to insure that every child is appropriately immunized.
The IDPH received a grant to conduct research on cost effectiveness, clinic efficiency, reminder/recall activities and immunization rates. A project coordinator and consultant were hired to design the study and analyze the findings over the course of 12 months.

OBJECTIVE:
To demonstrate that the use of the Immunization Registry Information System (IRIS) by private providers is beneficial to private providers and their patients.

METHOD:
An analysis was completed of the immunization rates, cost effectiveness of using the registry vs. using a hand written method and enhancement of office efficiency. The data from this study was shared with the medical community, study contractors and others. IDPH staff propared baseline and end of study immunization rates. The Project Coordinator collected data at the beginning and end of the study for comparison. A survey was completed by project participants at the end of the study to evaluate the immunization registry.

RESULT:
The study showed that the registry is cost effective.

CONCLUSION:
Cost of the current, hand-written method vs. cost of using the registry will be presented.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
The effects of use of an immunization registry at private provider sites will be described. The challenges of using an immunization registry at private provider sites will be described.