Finding meaning in reporting requirements. Provider sampling and survey length.

Meeting compliance requirements to report information such as provider satisfaction typically inspires groans, followed by hasty actions by those who must collect and supply the information. Reports often reflect this lack of interest as findings are rarely defended as representative. Our medical group employed statistical methodology to make this process meaningful while also keeping it fairly simple and without incurring added costs. By establishing our provider satisfaction survey as a scientifically based endeavor, we improved the likelihood the provider would actively and honestly participate, and report findings with confidence.