Our cover story sets out one area in which this ought to be possible. Anecdotal evidence and academic research both indicate that many physicians don't listen to patients carefully enough, and that the consequence is cost- ineffective medicine in the form of premature diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Let's accept the premise. As contributing editor Chuck Appleby found in researching the problem, physicians definitely can improve their listening skills. When doctors listen better, patients are happier.
Some doctors are already superb listeners.
Others may refuse to consider that their listening skills need improvement, engaging in the same form of denial as those who automatically assume that their patient panel is sicker than average when the HMO sends them them an unfavorable utilization report. A small investment of plan money and physician time could boost patients' satisfaction with plan and provider.