Patient Satisfaction with Physician Delivered Care in a Low Socioeconomic Population: A Phase III Study

Abstract

In primary health care, patient satisfaction is the principal indicator of high-quality provider care. Current research has identified satisfaction with nurse practictitioner (NP) provided care as comparable to that of physicians. This concept has led to the examination of specific physician characteristics that patient's value. In this study, a random sample of 400 low-income subjects, ages 18 to 74, collected from a physician managed, Midwestern primary health care clinic, is examined for patient satisfaction. The Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey was used to examine patient satisfaction with physician communication related to explanation of diagnosis, treatment plan, and cost when compared to age, level of education, and perception of health. Additional core values identified included appointment availability, promptness, courteous office staff, and a global rating of the physicians.