Patient satisfaction in VA medical centers and private sector hospitals: a comparison

For the first time, we have data that can validly compare the satisfaction level of inpatients in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers and private sector hospitals. It shows the satisfaction levels to be very similar. Since the VA will soon be changing its survey, this has been a very short time window. It may never recur. In addition to the general finding, there are some interesting comparisons regarding specific questions. For example, satisfaction with VA physicians, who are salaried and assigned to patients, is just as high as satisfaction with private physicians who are paid by fee and selected by the patient. This would seem to be critical information in the debate over U.S. health care reform.