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Comparing alternative risk-adjustment models

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Abstract

The use of mental health indicators to compare provider performance requires that comparisons be fair. Fair provider comparisons mean that scores are risk adjusted for client characteristics that influence scores and that are beyond provider control. Data for the study are collected from 336 outpatients receiving publicly funded mental health services in Washington State. The study compares alternative specifications of multiple regression-based risk-adjustment models to argue that the particular form of the model will lead to different conclusions about comparative treatment agency performance. In order to evaluate performance fairly it is necessary to not only incorporate risk adjustment, but also identify the most correct form that the risk-adjustment model should take. Future research is needed to specify, test, and validate the mental health risk-adjustment models best suited to particular treatment populations and performance indicators.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Washington Institute for Mental Illness Research and Training, Washington State University, 601 W. 1st Avenue, 99201, Spokane, WA

    Michael S. Hendryx PhD (Associate Professor)

  2. Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, USA

    Gregory B. Teague PhD (Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. Michael S. Hendryx PhD
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  2. Gregory B. Teague PhD
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Correspondence to Michael S. Hendryx PhD.

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Hendryx, M.S., Teague, G.B. Comparing alternative risk-adjustment models. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 28, 247–257 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287242

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287242

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