The Impact of a Personalized Preventive Care Model vs. the Conventional Healthcare Model on Patient Satisfaction

Abstract

Introduction: The ability of physicians to achieve successful outcomes for their patients is a challenge given the increasing demands on physicians in the conventional healthcare world. Patients are becoming more involved with their healthcare management and, as such, their satisfaction with their physician is increasingly important. MD-Value in Pre- vention (MDVIP) is a network of primary care physicians who promote smaller practice sizes in an effort to allow the physician to focus on prevention, wellness and chronic issues. Methods: An online patient satisfaction survey with MDVIP members and a representative population of patients in the conventional healthcare system (CHC) was conducted. Results: MDVIP members were significantly more satisfied with their ability to reach their physician when needed, including their ability to contact their physician during business hours (90-91% of MDVIP patients versus 53% of CHC patients) and contact their physician after business hours (71-74% of MDVIP patients versus 31% of CHC patients), p<0.05 for both parameters. In addition, 97% of MDVIP members were satisfied with their relationship with their physician compared to just 58% of CHC patients (p<0.05). Patient-reported physician loyalty was much higher in the MDVIP groups compared to the CHC population (68-72% in the MDVIP groups versus 44% in the CHC group, p<0.05). Conclusion: The MDVIP model significantly enables a better primary care physician-patient relationship versus the con- ventional healthcare system, which ultimately may lead to better health outcomes. Patients in the MDVIP model have bet- ter access, are more satisfied and more loyal to their physician compared to their CHC counterparts.