Predictors of patient satisfaction: evidence from the 2013 medical expenditure panel survey

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between patient race/ethnicity and five components of patient satisfaction using the 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (N = 21690). A binary logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship, as well as the mediating effects of education, number of medical visits, insurance coverage, and chronic condition diagnoses after controlling for gender and age. White patients were more likely than Latinx, and Asian patients to always be satisfied on all 5 measures. However, black patients were more likely to be satisfied than all other racial groups on 4 out of 5 measures. Differences in intervening variables associated with cultural and economic capital (education, number of medical visits, and insurance coverage, and chronic condition diagnoses) partially explained the relationship between race/ethnicity and patient satisfaction. The ability of the intervening variables to partially explain the relationship between race and satisfaction varied by racial group and satisfaction component. While insurance coverage was the strongest and most consistent predictor of patient satisfaction, this was usually only true for Latinx patients. The study indicates a need for providers to have cultural sensitivity and a need for access to health insurance. Future studies should examine additional factors influencing patient-provider interactions and racial differences in patient expectations.