Effective data management systems are necessary for the process of identifying patients whose utilization patterns deviate from evidence-based medicine. However, data manipulation, in and of itself, cannot minimize deviations from best practices. To do that, physicians must develop and implement protocols that conform to the nationally-recognized guidelines. The guidelines, while readily available, are not generally articulated in a manner that facilitates their implementation.

CSS works with physician groups to incorporate the national guidelines into group-specific protocols. Each protocol is designed to focus on a specific patient population (e.g. diabetics with elevated lipid levels), and specifies the course of action to be taken when patient care has been found to deviate from best practices (guideline). Most importantly, protocols specify the data to be collected, allowing physicians to understand the effect of their actions (or inaction) on the risk status of their patient population.