Do HMOs make a difference? Consumer assessments of health care

This study examines the effects of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) on consumer assessments of health care among the privately insured, nonelderly population. After controlling for population and location differences, the study finds that HMO enrollees are less likely than those in non-HMOs to be satisfied with their care, to rate their last medical visit highly, and to express trust in their physicians. One exception is a finding of little or no statistically significant difference between HMO and non-HMO enrollees in the likelihood of distrust that a physician may provide unnecessary services.