FIG. 2.

Pre/post-test counseling time and average wages for hospital personnel involved in counseling HIV-negative patients at 45 U.S. hospitals, 2005–2006. Study hospitals spent a mean of 20.2 min in counseling activities, at an average cost of $20.07. The curve separates those hospitals with below-average counseling costs (Regions A, B, and C) from those with above average counseling costs (Regions D, E, and F). Hospitals reduced counseling costs by limiting the amount of time spent in counseling activities (Regions A and B) and/or by utilizing less well compensated personnel in these activities (Regions B and C).