Improved outcomes:

• Michael Lambert at Brigham Young University has single handedly shown us all that providing outcome feedback into routine treatment improves our success rates by reducing the number of people who do not respond or negatively respond to treatment (Harmon, et al, 2005; Lambert, 2005; Lambert et al 2005; Hawkins 2004; Lambert et al 2003; Whipple et al 2003; Lambert et al 2002; Lambert & Hawkins 2001; Lambert et al 2001; Lambert & Johnson 2000).
• Steering patients to providers with documented track records of achieving superior results with similar clients can improve network outcomes overnight, allowing providers to specialize in what they do best.

Lower costs:

• Using outcome assessment data, BHL can identify patients at high risk of expensive healthcare utilization, allowing health plans and providers to proactively reach out to patients and prevent approximately a quarter of psychiatric hospitalizations, potentially saving the US healthcare system a third of a billion dollars each year.
• Discover what pharmaceuticals achieve the best results within your patient population. Cost should not be the only determinant for your formularies.

Increased diagnostic accuracy and discovery of high-risk issues earlier in treatment:

• For example, only 50% of patients with previous suicide attempts disclose this information in routine intake appointments, even when asked (Hahn & Marks, 1996).
• By contrast, at least six controlled studies demonstrate that patients are more open and honest about their past behavior and current feelings on paper or electronic questionnaires than they are in initial interviews. More importantly, they feel more comfortable disclosing personally sensitive information in this way compared to verbal interviews (Carr & Ghosh, 1983; Erdman, Klein, & Greist, 1985; Hile & Adkins, 1997; Lucas, 1977; Searles, Perrine, Mundt, & Helzer, 1995; Turner et al., 1998).

Improved patient satisfaction:

• Despite provider fears to the contrary, the above referenced research demonstrates that outcomes management doesn’t just open a new avenue of communication between doctor and patient, it leads to greater satisfaction—a clearer sense that someone is listening to every concern and tracking progress from the perspective that matters most: the patient's.