Americans choose 'hospital' over 'medical center' in survey

Americans believe they will receive better services in a "hospital" than in a "medical center," according to a phone survey conducted by two local consulting firms. More than 1,000 people were asked four questions about whether they believed they would have better outcomes in a hospital or medical center during the survey conducted by Rivkin & Associates LLC and Bauman Research & Consulting LLC, both based in Glen Rock.When asked "which would have a wider range of services," 61% said a hospital and 31% chose a medical center. Six percent said there would be no difference, and 2% didn't know or refused to answer. Fifty-two percent said a hospital provides "patients with better quality medical care" while 32% said a medical center. Twelve percent thought the care would be the same; 4% weren't sure. Asked "which would be on the cutting edge of medicine, using the most up-to-date technologies and procedures," 53% chose a hospital while 37% picked a medical center. Just 8% thought there would be no difference.