CalPERS Reports Improved HMO Patient Satisfaction Ratings
HMOs' satisfaction and effectiveness of care ratings from CalPERS members improved this year, according to results from an annual CalPERS survey announced last week, Modern Physician reports. CalPERS, which in June increased HMO rates of at least 16% along with some copayment increases, reported that HMOs had improved in a number of areas including prevention and treatment of chronic and acute diseases (Page, Modern Physician, 9/17). In the 57-question survey, health program members rated partnering HMOs -- including Kaiser Permanente, Western Health Advantage and Blue Shield -- on standardized industry-accepted guidelines. Of the three HMOs, Kaiser was rated the highest by plan members with a satisfaction rate of 75%. WHA's overall rate of satisfaction was 62%, while Blue Shield's was 50% (CalPERS release, 9/16).
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