Clinical Practice Guideline - Preventive Services Guideline for Children

Recommendation Summary:

Asuris supports the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding the following preventive care screenings for children and adolescents (birth through 18 years).

Asuris also supports the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the following immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases for children and adolescents (birth through age 18 years).

Recommendations for preventive pediatric health care are also published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  Although these recommendations are more consensus-based than evidence-based, they are frequently used.

Please refer to the web sites listed below for detailed information that specifies the age requirements, risk factors and contraindications.  Differences between these sources should be discussed with your physician/provider of care.

Web Site Links:

• Recommendations for Preventive Care

  USPSTF:  http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstfix.htm#Recommendations

AAP:  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/data/120/6/1376/DC1/1

• Immunization Schedules

CDC:  http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm

Position Statement:

The USPSTF recommendations are supported by Asuris because they are based on scientific evidence, and where evidence is lacking, on panel consensus judgment.  The strength of evidence supporting each recommendation is clearly indicated.  The guidelines reflect the current standard of care.

• The USPSTF consists of an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention that systematically reviews the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services.
• 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.
• Funding is provided by the United States Government.

Guideline Adoption and Recommended Use: 

This guideline has been adopted based on nationally recognized sources.  This guideline is based on the most recent medical evidence available at the time of the report or on a consensus of panel experts. Asuris 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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