Gender differences in satisfaction with primary care physicians in a managed care health plan

This study examines whether the formation of satisfaction with primary care physicians in a managed health care plan differs for men and women. Findings indicate that there are significant differences in the formation of satisfaction. For both men and women, the probability that an individual is satisfied is influenced by the type of plan enrolled in, number of problems experienced and beliefs about the quality of and access to benefits. Income and additional insurance coverage affects the probability of satisfaction for women only. Simulation analysis shows how satisfaction changes as individual characteristics and experience with managed care change.