TABLE 1.

Community Tracking Survey Physician and Patient Satisfaction Variables

Physician Satisfaction Variables (5-point Likert Scale, one 6-point scale):

“Thinking very generally about your satisfaction with your overall       career in medicine, would you say that you are currently …       (1 = very satisfied, 5 = very dissatisfied)?”

“I have the freedom to make clinical decisions that meet my patients       needs.” (1 = strongly agree strongly, 5 = strongly disagree)

“It is possible to provide high quality care to all of my patients.”       (1 = strongly agree strongly, 5 = strongly disagree)

It is possible to maintain the kind of continuing relationships with       patients over time that promote the delivery of high quality care.”       (1 = strongly agree strongly, 5 = strongly disagree)

“I can make clinical decisions in the best interests of my patients       without the possibility of reducing my income.” (1 = strongly       agree strongly, 5 = strongly disagree)

“How often are you able to obtain referrals to specialists of high quality       when you think it is medically necessary?” (1 = always, 6 = never)

Patient satisfaction variables (5-point Likert Scale):

Constructed variable: Respondent’s satisfaction with overall healthcare       (1 = very satisfied, 5 = very dissatisfied)

Constructed variables: Respondent’s satisfaction with choice of primary       care physician (1 = very satisfied, 5 = very dissatisfied)

Constructed Variable: Respondent’s satisfaction with specialist       physician(s) (1 = very satisfied, 5 = very dissatisfied)

(Think about the doctor you usually see when you are sick or need       advice about your health …)

“I think my doctor is strongly influenced by health insurance       company rules when making decisions about my medical care.”       (1 = strongly agree, 5 = strongly disagree)

“I think my doctor may not refer me to a specialist when needed.”       (1 = strongly agree, 5 = strongly disagree)

“I trust my doctor to put my medical needs above all other       considerations when treating my medical problems.” (1 = strongly       agree, 5 = strongly disagree)