1/3) A study assessed the impact of a doctor wearing a white coat versus casual dress on communication processes and patient satisfaction. Patients reported feeling more relaxed and that communication would be easier with a doctor in casual dress. 2/3) However, patients also saw the white coat as a sign of professional integrity. There was no significant difference in overall patient satisfaction between those seeing a doctor in white coat or casual dress. 3/3) Patients who thought communication would be better with a casual dressed doctor reported higher satisfaction levels (87.2 vs 82.3 points). While casual dress did not impact overall satisfaction, some patients felt it could improve doctor-patient communication.