Can Managed Care Really Improve Doctor-Patient Relationship?

摘要

Background: Managed care has created conflicts in the practice of medicine. Physicians now not only treat patients but are also expected to treat them at the least cost possible; hence, complications may arise. The objective of this study is to examine how managed care has affected the doctor-patient relationship. Methodology: For the purpose of this research, 220 doctors/physicians in Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional survey. Results: The results show that primary care physicians' perception on the impact of managed care on doctor-patient relationships is predominantly negative in patients' expectation, continuity of care, patients' involvement and obligations on patients' care. Conclusions and Recommendations: Based on the findings of this research, there is an urgent need for managed care companies to work closely with insurance firms as well as the health care providers in the provision of health care services.