Definitely, but if I'm comparing primary care providers in the same area between Kaiser and Hoag and Sutter or other large chains there isn't going to be much d

Definitely, but if I'm comparing primary care providers in the same area between Kaiser and Hoag and Sutter or other large chains there isn't going to be much difference in service between the pool of available doctors at each one. Or even routine specialists for non-critical stuff like dermatology, you don't get any better care by going with the best. Where it matters is cutting edge, critical care like cardiology, oncology, and surgery where methods aren't standardized and individual skill (as opposed to drug innovation) plays a large role in outcomes.