Pushing the quality envelope: A new outcomes management system

This article is based on the authors' experience in designing and implement ing outcomes management systems for large managed care organizations. Topic s addressed include design of instruments, use of cost-effective technology , development of computerized decision-support tools, and methods for case- mix adjustment. The case-mix-adjustment models are based on a data reposito ry of several thousand treatment cases with multiple measurement points acr oss the course of treatment. Data from controlled and field studies are des cribed. These data suggest that the outcomes management methods outlined in this article can result in significantly improved clinical outcomes and a more rational allocation of behavioral health care resources.