Managing patient trust in managed care

Patient trust has been identified as an important element in the patient-ph ysician relationship. However, common features of managed care, such as ris k-sharing, utilization review, and limitations on benefits, may erode the t raditionally high trust that patients have in their physicians. High trust is not always justified; rather, an optimal level of trust: arises from the level of interdependence between patients and physicians. This analysis of the interrelationship between patient-physician trust and some of the key facets of managed care has important implications for managed care. A retur n to high levels of trust may be impracticable, and new strategies for bala ncing trust-building efforts by caregivers with checking mechanisms accessi ble to patients are recommended.