Maine Vaccine Processing : Reference Date - 08172006
- Shawn M. Box

Background: In 1999, Maine performed a study that showed our per dose distribution cost for our Self-Distribution/Depot model to be approximately $1.32 per dose distributed.  The decision was made at that point to engage the CDC to assist us in moving to 3rd Party distribution as a cost savings measure, and to negotiate the method of preserving the appropriate amount of that savings to remain within the program budget for use in associated business task.

Those conversations and strategies were put into place over the course of the following couple of years, leading in 2002 to our initial RFP for third party distribution.  Maine used a contract model from a state already engaged in 3rd Party distribution and we implemented a very raw hybrid model of 3rd Party distribution while still utilizing core policies learned during our Depot Distribution Period. Note: management change slowed the process of conversion as each new person (3 in 3 years) needed to be rededicated to program change.
  

From 2002 to Present, the current staff have worked to analyze, modify, and implement solid policy and procedure methods to maximize our funding, while providing a positive business environment for the program and for the provider.

We have integrated technology with distribution from the beginning and continuously try to find the balance between overhead and provider requirements.  We currently service 700+ providers monthly with direct 3rd Party distribution utilizing 3 positions for a combined effort of  2 FTE.  We collect monthly Usage reports, wastage reports, and temperature logs, and at the providers discretion they may order monthly. This is facilitated through the layered use of the Hand Keying (implemented "legacy" - minimal - aggregate), IIS (1999 - 35% of Providers - Per Dose), and Optical Character Reader (2004 - 60% - Aggregate).

MIP does provide ordering recommendations to providers based on size, but works with providers to address factors such as fridge size and/or cold chain issues that might require exceptions.

The following is the process the Maine Immunization Practice documented and submitted on behalf of VMBIP for our transition from 3rd Party (Privatized) Distribution to 3rd Party CDC (Regionalized) Distribution.

2006: MIP added the School Based Survey and DayCare Surveys as OCR compatible, 
expanding the OCR use beyond Vaccine Management and into Provider QA/Service Delivery Program Components..
All forms are returned via fax, auto processed into the OCR verifier, and then exported out into the appropriate survey tool.