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Clinical Practice Guidelines

Clinical Practice Guideline - Asthma

Topic: Asthma Date of Origin: April 1998
Revised/Effective Date: May 2009 Next Review Date: May 2010


Recommendation Summary:

Asuris supports the recommendations of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the contents of the July 2007 evidence report entitled Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma (EPR-3).

Web Site Link:

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; located at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/index.htm

Position Statement:

The NHLBI report is supported by Regence because it is based on scientific evidence, and where evidence is lacking, on panel consensus judgment.  The strength of evidence supporting each recommendation is clearly indicated.  The report reflects the current standard of care.

  • The panel members are recognized experts practicing in a variety of professional settings.
  • Recommendations are based on a well-defined, comprehensive scientific literature search.
  • Methods used to select appropriate scientific literature are well defined.
  • The methods used to critically appraise the evidence supporting guideline recommendations are transparent. 
  • The guidelines clearly state the strength of the evidence for which recommendations are based. 
  • The panel considered 721 comments from 140 external reviewers (experts in the field and the general public) prior to finalizing and publishing the guideline.
  • Sources of funding:
    • Development of this report was entirely funded by NHLBI.
    • Financial disclosures/potential conflict of interest statements for panel members are included in the evidence report.

Asuris Resources:

Asuris members please check your benefits to determine eligibility for the disease management programs. 

Asthma educational materials are included on the Asuris Web site.

Guideline Adoption and Recommended Use: 

This guideline has been adopted based on nationally and locally recognized sources. This guideline is based on the most recent medical evidence or a consensus on clinical treatment patterns by physicians in the selected field of practice. Regence adopts guidelines to help practitioners and members make decisions about appropriate health care for specific conditions. Guidelines are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Benefit Determination: 

Benefit determinations should be based in all cases on the applicable contract coverage. To the extent that there are any conflicts between these guidelines and the contract language, the contract language will control. 

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