The effect of different definitions of a patient on immunization assessment

Objectives. In this report, the authors compare immunization assessment usi ng 2 definitions of a patient. Methods. Two Clinical Assessment Software Application (CASA) assessments we re performed. The first sampled 200 two-year-olds seen at least once since birth. The second sampled 200 two-year-olds seen in the previous year. Chil dren with incomplete immunizations in the first sample were contacted. Results. In the second sample, 72% of children had complete immunizations, compared with 46% in the first sample. In the first sample, 78% of children with incomplete immunizations had not been seen during the past year. Of 1 34 children in the first sample seen in the past year or successfully conta cted, 75% had complete immunizations. Conclusions. The CASA assessment's definition of a patient underestimates i mmunization rates.