A more satisfied patient is not necessarily one who is better cared for, according to a new study.

Competition among big managed-care plans would, the argument goes, have financial incentives to keep patients satisfied and healthy.

Dr. Iacono literally has a fan club of satisfied patients.

A picture showed a white-haired man who looked like a doctor shaking hands with a satisfied patient.

Not surprisingly, dissatisfied patients reported more persistent knee pain than satisfied patients.

Scores of satisfied patients- and the reverence and affection with which the whole town regarded him-testified to his success in meeting his second responsibility.

But it might not work in a way that satisfied patients or providers.

Has letters from satisfied patients, family members, and doctors that testify to the home health agency providing good care?

Then they devise procedures for managing the cost of care, typically by paying group members bonuses or other incentives for keeping patients healthy and satisfied.

Mr. Asparro, who took advantage of the special offered by Lasik Vision, is also a satisfied patient.