Passport Health

My husband and I had a very disappointing experience with Passport Health in Boulder. We needed to get the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine in preparation for a move to Laos. The vaccine requires two doses, 28 days apart, and since we were leaving in 2 weeks, we told the nurse that we would have to get the second dose in Laos. Never was there mention that there are different JE vaccines, or that the one administered to us is not available in Laos, Thailand, or anywhere in the vicinity. Honestly, I’m not even sure our nurse knew this information — we found this out from an expat clinic in Laos.
The manager responded to emails in an unprofessional and defensive manner. We felt that warning other potential customers of their business practices could potentially spare them. Their staff should know about vaccine availability in Asia. More importantly, their customer service was just so inferior, people should really hesitate before seeking consult from them.

Be careful with Passport Health when it concerns insurance companies. Although they swear that they accept ALL insurance companies, do not be misled. Make sure that when you enter the office, you provide your insurance card right away, or leave the building. Also, make sure that your insurance company actually can cover the shots, even if the receptionist verbally accepts/​agrees they will accept your insurance and it will cover the shots.
I was told on the phone by the receptionist that my shots will be covered, (Hep A and Hep B), and not my typhoid. When I was billed, my insurance company did not actually cover Hep A and Hep B at the clinic. Since the receptionist told me that the company accepted Blue Cross Blue Shield, I thought I did not have to provide my card to the receptionist, and I could send the bill to my insurance company to process it. The costs are exorbitant as it’s about $ 100 more than it would have originally cost at a different clinic. I’m not sure, but the shots should be the same across the board, therefore costs should be similar across the board.
Therefore, make sure you are 100% sure your insurance company can cover your shots before you enter the office.

I recently went to this clinic for travel shots and am in awe with how great they are. The first appointment was very thorough, and I even got a full book of helpful info for every country I am planning to visit. It was not rushed at all, and I felt like all my answers were answered with patience and genuine care. My travel nurse (Elish?) was so friendly and personable, she really made the clinic. It was great to hear about her experiences abroad — she is extremely knowledgeable, a kind person, and good at giving shots. My follow-​up appointment a couple weeks later to get round 2 of the shots was quick, friendly, and easy.
Pricing was clear up-​front, and was the best in the area for the shots I needed (I ended up getting 5 for an around-​the-​world trip).
This is the only travel clinic I will use in the future, and suggest my friends do the same.

My experience at Passport Health was great. I was a little skeptical about going to a travel doctor before my trip to India only because I felt like I could find the information I needed on the CDC website. Travel clinics do not typically take insurance, but fortunately Passport health’s office visit is cheaper than going to the travel doctor at Boulder Community Hospital and you get a discount by going with another person.
When I made the appointment I was sent an email to input my vaccination information in advance. I think it was great because it saved time in the actual appointment and the nurse was more prepared when I came in. I was seen by a travel nurse who I felt was very well informed about where we were going. She actually lived in India for 4 years and was able to provide a lot of helpful information. She’s lived in multiple countries and I felt comfortable that all the information was well researched or first hand knowledge. They even prepared a little travel book for us containing medical information, the hospitals near where I would be, local diseases, and travel insurance.
I received some vaccinations while I was there and will be getting more in my follow up visit. If you need to have multiple shots you will not be charged the office visit when you go back just for vaccinations. I feel really happy that I made this appointment and now I feel much better prepared for my trip.