The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are standardized forms in the behavioral and mental health community.  These forms are used in the diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety. Modern technology is providing detailed insights into patients' mental health through comprehensive reporting systems containing behavioral health forms such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Providers prefer platforms with automated scoring because they yield quick results. Learn why PHQ-9 and GAD-7 forms with auto-scoring have become powerful tools for mental healthcare professionals.

What is PHQ-9?

The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 or PHQ-9 is a diagnostic tool to screen adult patients for depression. This test is a self-administered questionnaire that analyzes the severity of depression. PHQ-9 can monitor depression throughout various phases of treatment, aiding in a patient management plan. The test can be completed and scored in only a couple of minutes, making PHQ-9 scoring a valuable tool for patients in need of immediate treatment plans.

What is GAD-7

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale or GAD-7 is a common diagnostic report used to diagnose anxiety disorders. This self-reported questionnaire asks patients seven questions to measure the severity of anxiety. The results of the assessment aid in developing a symptom management plan. Similar to the PHQ-9, the GAD-7 does not take much time for a patient to complete and a practitioner to score. The GAD-7’s rapid results allow for the timely development of a  symptom management plan. 

What are the Benefits of Auto Scoring of PHQ-9 and GAD-7? 

There is an extensive onboarding process when a practitioner takes on a new patient. Along with processing insurance information, the office must collect patient medical history, and personal data, and gather a series of forms. With all of this information needing to be processed, automation of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scoring can save the office valuable time. Today, practitioners can use platforms such as Healthie to create intake flows and auto-score diagnostic reports. Additionally, results can be set to auto-release to patients, eliminating the back and forth between office and patient. 

Automatic Scoring of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 not only saves practitioners time but also eliminates human error. Accurate results ensure the best treatment plan is designed for the patient. 

Healthie’s PHQ-9 and GAD-7 Forms 

Healthie's Forms library includes several forms used by behavioral and mental health practitioners, including the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. This form is included for all members, free of cost. 

Behavioral health professionals have the option to add the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 or GAD-7 form to intake flows, creating a seamless onboarding process for the patient/provider. Additionally, Healthie’s auto-score and feature minimize office work and allows practitioners to spend more time with their patients. Once the form has been scored clients can review their results in their client profiles. PDF and CSV files can be generated and downloaded as needed. 

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Healthie for Behavioral  Health Practices

Healthie provides a customizable EHR to behavioral health professionals. The Healthie platform supports practices in building long-term client relationships and streamlines back-end office operations, saving practices valuable time.

Healthie allows you to:

• Consolidate your tools into one streamlined seamless platform (paperless intake, patient assessments, online booking, clients engagement, and more)
• Utilize a pre-loaded library of common mental health assessments (including PHQ-9, and GAD 7 forms) and waivers or easily build your custom forms
• Scale clinical operations through collaborative care 
• Improve patient outcomes through ongoing support and real-time feedback
• Provide a HIPAA-compliant virtual first telehealth experience
• Automate generation of CMS-1500s and Superbills 
  

You can learn more about Healthie’s virtual first behavioral health software tooling here or get started with a free trial today. 

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