Pneumocystis pneumonia in a prepaid care system caring for a Medicaid-covered population with AIDS.

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is the most common pneumonia in persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and a frequent cause of hospitalization. The incidence of PCP in patients with AIDS can be substantially reduced when patients comply with standard prophylaxis protocols. However, achieving acceptable prophylaxis compliance in any patient population is difficult, particularly with intravenous drug users (IVDU), homeless, or medically disenfranchised patients. This study defines the rates and locations of treatment of PCP in a prepaid managed care program for a Medicaid-covered population with AIDS, with comparisons to PCP incidence rates in the same population receiving care in the fee-for-service system.