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We recently posted the 2014-2015 Clinical Practice Guideline Summary, which replaces the previous version. The revised summary includes a listing of all Clinical Practice Guidelines adopted by AmeriHealth that are considered the accepted minimum standard of care in the medical profession. Adherence to these guidelines may lead to improved patient outcomes.

Guidelines are available for the following medical and behavioral health conditions: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease, diabetes, heart failure, obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, depression, and substance abuse disorders.

Changes in the 2014-2015 Clinical Practice Guideline Summary include:

• Asthma. New quick reference guide for providers and Asthma Action Plan for distribution to patients.
• Coronary Heart Disease. New guidelines for the management of high blood pressure (JNC8), cholesterol, and treatment of anemia in patients with heart disease.
• Diabetes. New summary of revisions to the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes ? 2014, and removed guidelines for gestational diabetes (covered under Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes).
• Heart Failure. New guideline for the management of heart failure.
• Obesity. New guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults.

Individual clinical decisions should be tailored to specific patient medical and psychosocial needs. As national guideline recommendations evolve, please update your practice accordingly. The summary provides a 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 2014-2015 Clinical Practice Guideline Summary on our website. Paper copies of the summary can be ordered by submitting an online request or by calling the Provider Supply Line at 1-800-858-4728.

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