OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have demonstrated the ability to collect patient-reported outcomes from members of an on-line patient community with chronic conditions.  In this pilot study, we explore the feasibility of capturing health resource utilization data from a vulnerable population, schizophrenics. METHODS: To identify 50 subjects, we screened 369 iGuard.org members taking at least one antipsychotic: aripiprazole, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperdone, or ziprasidone.  iGuard.org is a medication monitoring service that provides drug safety information to over 1.4 million US members.  Subjects completed an on-line survey regarding health resource use in the past 6 months and 2 years, among other questions. RESULTS: A total of 45 of 50 respondents (90%) identified themselves as a patient; 10% were caregivers.  Most respondents (>80%) are managed by a psychiatrist and have experienced metabolic symptoms: 68% gained 11+ pounds, 14% gained 10 pounds or less, 38% were diagnosed with high cholesterol, and 10% developed diabetes.  Only 16% have not experienced metabolic symptoms.  With respect to resource utilization, 44% visited the ER, 24% were hospitalized, and 12% were arrested, jailed, or imprisoned in the past 6 months.  Utilization within the last 2 years was as follows: 68% visited the ER, 40% were hospitalized, and 12% were arrested.  Responses were inconsistent for a total of 5 of 50 patients who indicated use within the past 6 months, but not within 2 years in at least one of the three resource categories. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that although researchers should continue to examine patient reported data for inconsistencies, patient communities can be a time and cost-efficient source of patient-reported outcomes data such as health resource utilization even for vulnerable populations.