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The Western Journal of Medicine logoLink to The Western Journal of Medicine
. 1995 Dec;163(6):527–531.

Physician-patient communication in managed care.

G H Gordon 1, L Baker 1, W Levinson 1
PMCID: PMC1303255  PMID: 8553634

Abstract

The quality of physician-patient communication affects important health care outcomes. Managed care presents a number of challenges to physician-patient communication, including shorter visits, decreased continuity, and lower levels of trust. Good communication skills can help physicians create and maintain healthy relationships with patients in the face of these challenges. We describe 5 communication dilemmas that are common in managed care and review possible solutions suggested by recent literature on physician-patient communication. We also describe ways that managed care plans can promote more effective communication between physicians and patients.

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Selected References

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