The cost of Rabies postexposure prophylaxis : One state's experience

摘要: Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate trends in the use of rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) before, during, and following an epidemic raccoon Massachusetts. METHODS: The authors reviewed initiation PEP as reported Massachusetts Department Public Health (MDPH) from August 1994 December 1995 surveyed hospital pharmacies determine number vials Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) dispensed 1991 through charges patients per vial. RESULTS: increased dramatically, 1.7 100,000 population (pre-epidemic) 45 (after first stages epidemic). median costs patient for biologics $1646 (range: $632-$3435). Including physician emergency room charges, per-patient were $2376 $1038-$4447). Total health care estimated at $2.4 million $6.4 million. CONCLUSIONS: Given rapid increase PEP, further studies should be appropriateness use, other alternatives, such oral wildlife vaccines, considered.