Collecting outcomes data in the private practice setting: why is it important and how to get the data without...

Collecting data in a private practice setting has many obstacles. These obstacles include limited patient time and energy, what data to collect, and what data collection tools to develop to complete the job in an efficient manner. The method of collection must be done in a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant way and must be deidentified before presentation. The physician must be the collection "champion" to insure that the collection process is consistent and persistent. The data collection tools must appreciate the trend for patient-reported outcomes. Insurers and regulators are keenly awaiting adequate data to validate the beneficial effects of the procedures we perform. We physicians are uniquely positioned, appropriately trained, and are the true patient advocates in modern health care and thus, the responsibility to collect accurate data is ours!