Patient Satisfaction Linked to Higher Costs, Mortality

A UC-Davis study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday found that the most-satisfied patients are more likely to be hospitalized, have higher health care costs and are more likely to die than less-satisfied patients. The study is believed to be the first to warn that focusing on patient satisfaction could have unexpected adverse effects.

• "Satisfied Patients Not Always Healthiest, UC-Davis Study Shows" (Garza, Sacramento Bee, 2/14).