We recently posted the 2018-2019 Clinical Practice Guideline Summary, which replaces the previous version on the AmeriHealth New Jersey and AmeriHealth Pennsylvania websites. The revised summary includes a listing of all Clinical Practice Guidelines adopted by AmeriHealth. Adherence to these guidelines may lead to improved patient outcomes.

Guidelines are available for the following medical and behavioral health conditions:

• asthma
• autism spectrum disorders
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• depression
• diabetes
• heart disease
• obesity
• substance abuse disorders

Changes in the 2018-2019 Clinical Practice Guideline Summary include updates to the current guidelines, as well as the addition of the following guidelines:

• Heart Disease. 
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: Improving Function and Reducing Risk. 2016.
• The Care of Children with Congenital Heart Disease in Their Primary Medical Home. 2017.
• Obesity. 
• Algorithm for the Assessment and Management of Childhood Obesity in Patients 2 Years and Older. 2015.

In addition, the following guidelines were removed:

• Heart Disease. 
• 2013 AHA/ACC Guideline of Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk.

• Diabetes. 
• Management of Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Children and Adolescents.

Clinical decision-making is for the provider to determine and this information is intended to help assist the provider in that decision-making. As national guideline recommendations evolve, please update your practice accordingly. The summary provides the reference for each condition and links directly to the guidelines.

We update the guidelines annually based on changes made to nationally recognized sources. Changes are reviewed by internal and external consultants, as appropriate, and by the AmeriHealth Quality Committee, which is comprised of network physicians.

You can access the 2018-2019 Clinical Practice Guideline Summary on the websites for AmeriHealth New Jersey or AmeriHealth Pennsylvania. Paper copies can be ordered by submitting an online request for AmeriHealth New Jersey or AmeriHealth Pennsylvania.