In context: physician-patient communication and managed care
Levinson, W.
Journal of Medical Practice Management Mpm 14(5): 226-230
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 8755-0229 PMID: 10623413 Document Number: 506028
Communication between a physician and his or her patient is a critical component of medical care delivery. The quality of communication affects patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Managed care has heightened the awareness of communication because of the direct links among communication, outcomes, and malpractice liability. This article describes patient satisfaction, the relationship between communication and biological outcomes, the role that communication plays in malpractice prevention, the communication challenges present in the managed health care environment, and the need for communication skills training.