Importance of a Good Doctor

Good care keeps certain elderly people out of the hospital. Elderly Medicare patients treated by experienced physicians are less likely to be hospitalized for bacterial pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a study released recently by the Center for Studying Health System Change. Patients whose usual physician had less than 10 years experience or difficulty accessing ancillary services were at higher risk of hospitalization for both conditions. The findings are based on a 2000-01 survey of practicing physicians and Medicare claims data.