Choose doctors: in hospital or in their own private practices? (maternity, dentist)

[timlee]

In U.S., are doctors working in a hospital or as a professor at a medical school more likely to provide better medical services than doctors in their individual private practices?

Which one more likely charge more money?

I am trying to pick a cosmetic dermatologist for removing my facial acne scars.
Moderator cut: no names please


I am also interested in hearing dentists. My current dentist is working in a private practice. But Johns Hopkins hospital has a dental clinic group, where I have seen an oral surgeon.

[christina0001]

Hmmm. Interesting question. IMO, I would chose a physician based on recommendations from past patients, regardless of whether they have a private practice or work at a hospital. I don't see how either situation would be an indication of the quality of their skills, unless they are working at a truly top-notch hospital (Johns Hopkins, Mayo, etc.).

[AnonChick]

All of my doctors have hospital privileges. I wouldn't trust one that didn't. That doesn't necessarily mean they work AT a hospital - all of mine have private practices. But they all are given permission to attend -their- patients in a hospital setting, if it's medically necessary for some reason. You have to have permission from the hospital for that, and not all doctors have that access. My OB/GYN doesn't have office hours at all on Thursdays because that's when she works in the hospital's maternity ward. She also performs some surgeries, which are done in the hospital. But her normal practice is in a private office suite, not even in the same town as the hospital, and isn't affiliated with the hospital at all.