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Brief Summary

GUIDELINE TITLE

Summary of recommendations for clinical preventive services.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCE(S)

  • American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Summary of recommendations for clinical preventive services. Revision 6.4. Leawood (KS): American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP); 2007 Aug. 15 p.

GUIDELINE STATUS

This is the current release of the guideline.

This guideline updates a previous version: American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Summary of recommendations for clinical preventive services. Revision 6.3. Leawood (KS): American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP); 2007 Mar. 15 p.

BRIEF SUMMARY CONTENT

 
RECOMMENDATIONS
 EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS
 IDENTIFYING INFORMATION AND AVAILABILITY
 DISCLAIMER

 Go to the Complete Summary

RECOMMENDATIONS

MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS

The rating scheme for the strength of the recommendation for or against a preventive intervention follows the "Major Recommendations" field.

Summary of Recommendations for Clinical Preventive Services

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/aaascr/aaars.htm#clinical)

The AAFP makes no recommendation for or against screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men aged 65 to 75 years who have never smoked. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/aaascr/aaars.htm#clinical)

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in women. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/aaascr/aaars.htm#clinical)

Accidental Injury

The AAFP recommends counseling all parents and patients more than 2 years old regarding accidental injury prevention including, as appropriate: child safety seats, lap and shoulder belt use, bicycle safety, motorcycle helmet use, smoke detectors, poison control center number, and driving while intoxicated.

Alcohol Misuse

The AAFP recommends screening and behavioral counseling interventions to reduce alcohol misuse by adults, including pregnant women, in primary care settings. (Clinical Consideration: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsdrin.htm)

The AAFP recognizes avoidance of alcohol products by adolescents is desirable. The effectiveness of physician's advice and counseling in this area is uncertain. (Clinical Consideration: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsdrin.htm)

Bacteriuria, Asymptomatic

The AAFP strongly recommends that all pregnant women be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria using urine culture at 12 to 16 weeks' gestation or at first prenatal visit if after that time. (Clinical Consideration: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbact.htm)

The AAFP recommends against the routine screening of men and nonpregnant women for asymptomatic bacteriuria. (Clinical Consideration: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbact.htm)

Bacterial Vaginosis

The AAFP concludes that there is insufficient evidence on which to make a recommendation for or against routine screening for bacterial vaginosis in high-risk pregnant women. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ajpmsuppl/bvrr.htm#section2)

The AAFP recommends against the use of routine screening for bacterial vaginosis in average-risk asymptomatic pregnant women. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ajpmsuppl/bvrr.htm#section2)

Bladder Cancer

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for bladder cancer in adults. (Clinical Considerations: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsblad.htm)

Breast Cancer

The AAFP recommends women age 40 years and older be screened for breast cancer with mammography every 1 to 2 years after counseling by their family physician regarding the potential risks and benefits of the procedure (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm)

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against teaching or performing routine breast self-examination (BSE). (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm)

Breast Cancer/Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene (BRCA) Mutation Testing

The AAFP recommends that women whose family history is associated with an increased risk for deleterious mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes be referred for genetic counseling and evaluation for BRCA testing. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/brcagen/brcagenrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP recommends against routine referral for genetic counseling or routine BRCA testing for women whose family history is not associated with increased risk for deleterious mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/brcagen/brcagenrs.htm#clinical)

Breastfeeding

The AAFP recommends structured breastfeeding education and behavioral counseling programs to promote breastfeeding. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrfd.htm)

The AAFP recognizes breastfeeding is desirable. The effectiveness of physician's advice and counseling in this area is uncertain. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrfd.htm)

Cardiac Disease

The AAFP recommends against the use of routine electrocardiogram (ECG) as part of a periodic health or preparticipation physical exam for cardiac disease in asymptomatic children and adults.

Cervical Cancer

The AAFP concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine use of new technologies to screen for cervical cancer. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/cervcan/cervcanrr.htm#clinical)

The AAFP concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine use of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as a primary screening test for cervical cancer. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/cervcan/cervcanrr.htm#clinical)

The AAFP strongly recommends that a Pap smear be completed at least every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer for women who have ever had sex and have a cervix. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/cervcan/cervcanrr.htm#clinical)

Chlamydia

The AAFP strongly recommends screening all sexually active females age 25 years or younger and other women at increased risk for chlamydia. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ajpmsuppl/chlarr.htm#section2)

The AAFP makes no recommendation either for or against screening asymptomatic pregnant women age 26 years or older at low risk for chlamydia. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ajpmsuppl/chlarr.htm#section2)

The AAFP concludes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening of asymptomatic men for chlamydial infection. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ajpmsuppl/chlarr.htm#section2)

The AAFP recommends screening all asymptomatic pregnant females age 25 years or younger and other women at increased risk for chlamydia infection. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ajpmsuppl/chlarr.htm#section2)

Colorectal Cancer

The AAFP strongly recommends that clinicians screen men and women 50 years of age or older for colorectal cancer. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/colorectal/colorr.htm#clinical)

The AAFP recommends against the routine use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent colorectal cancer in individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer. (Clinical Considerations: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf07/aspcolo/aspcolors.htm#clinical)

Congenital Rubella Syndrome

The AAFP recommends screening for congenital rubella syndrome by assuring rubella immunity by history, serology, or vaccination in women of childbearing potential.

Coronary Heart Disease

The AAFP strongly recommends counseling adults at increased risk for coronary heart disease regarding the benefits and risks of aspirin prophylaxis.

The AAFP recommends against routine screening with resting electrocardiography (ECG), exercise treadmill test (ETT), or electron-beam computerized tomography (EBCT) scanning for coronary calcium for either the presence of severe coronary artery stenosis (CAS) or the prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) events in adults at low risk for CHD events. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsacad.htm)

The AAFP found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening with electrocardiography, exercise treadmill test, electrobeam computerized tomography scanning for coronary calcium for either the presence of severe coronary artery stenosis or the prediction of CHD events in adults at increased risk for CHD events. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsacad.htm)

Dental Caries

The AAFP strongly recommends ordering fluoride supplementation to prevent dental caries based on age and fluoride concentration of patient's water supply for infants and children age 6 months through 16 years residing in areas with inadequate fluoride in the water supply (less than 0.6 ppm).

Depression

The AAFP recommends screening adults for depression. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/depression/depressrr.htm#clinical)

The AAFP concludes that there is insufficient evidence on which to make a recommendation for or against routine screening of children or adolescents for depression. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/depression/depressrr.htm#clinical)

Diabetes, Type 2

The AAFP recommends screening for type 2 diabetes in adults with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening adults who are at low risk for coronary vascular disease. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspst/uspsdiab.htm)

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant women. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/diabscr/diabetrr.htm#clinical)

Diphtheria

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for diphtheria using AAFP recommendations unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing adults for diphtheria by completing tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine series if they haven't received primary series. Boosters every 10 years or at least at age 50. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Dysplasia (Developmental) of the Hip in Infants

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend routine screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants as a means to prevent adverse outcomes. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/hipdysp/hipdysrs.htm#clinical)

Family Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

The AAFP recognizes that all family physicians should be alert to physical and behavioral signs and symptoms associated with abuse or neglect. The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against screening of parents or guardians for the physical abuse or neglect of children, of adults or adolescents of either sex for intimate partner violence, or of older adults or their caregivers for elder abuse. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsfamv.htm)

Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

The AAFP recommends against routine serological screening for herpes simplex virus (HSV) in asymptomatic pregnant women at any time during pregnancy to prevent neonatal HSV infection. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/herpes/herpesrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP recommends against routine serological screening for herpes simplex virus in asymptomatic adolescents and adults. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/herpes/herpesrs.htm#clinical)

Glaucoma

The AAFP found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening adults for glaucoma. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/glaucoma/glaucrs.htm#clinical)

Gonococcal Infection in Neonates

The AAFP strongly recommends prophylactic ocular topical medication for all newborns against gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/gonorrhea/gonrs.htm#clinical)

Gonorrhea

The AAFP recommends that clinicians screen all sexually active women, including those who are pregnant, for gonorrhea infection if they are at increased risk for infection (that is, if they are young or have other individual or population risk factors); see clinical consideration for further discussion of risk factors. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/gonorrhea/gonrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP concludes there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening for gonorrhea infection in men at increased risk for infection; see clinical consideration for further discussion of risk factors. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/gonorrhea/gonrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP concludes there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for gonorrhea infection in pregnant women who are not at increased risk for infection; see clinical consideration for further discussion of risk factors. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/gonorrhea/gonrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for gonorrhea infection in men and women who are at low risk for infection; see clinical consideration for further discussion of risk factors. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/gonorrhea/gonrs.htm#clinical)

Haemophilus Influenza Type b Disease

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for Haemophilus influenzae type b disease using AAFP recommendations unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html

Healthy Diet

The AAFP recommends intensive behavioral dietary counseling for adult patients with hyperlipidemia and other known risk factors for cardiovascular and diet-related chronic disease. Intensive counseling can be delivered by primary care physicians or by other qualified professionals including dietitians and nutritionists. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/diet/dietrr.htm#clinical)

Hearing Difficulties

The AAFP recommends screening for hearing difficulties by questioning elderly adults about hearing impairment and counsel regarding the availability of treatment when appropriate. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshear.htm)

Hearing Loss Sensorineural (SNHL)

The AAFP concludes that there is insufficient evidence on which to make a recommendation for or against routine screening of newborns for hearing loss during the postpartum hospitalization period. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/newbornscreen/newhearrr.htm#section2)

Hemochromatosis

The AAFP recommends against routine genetic screening for hereditary hemochromatosis in the asymptomatic general population. (Clinical Considerations: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/hemochromatosis/hemochrs.htm)

Hemoglobinopathies

The AAFP strongly recommends ordering screening tests for phenylketonuria (PKU), hemoglobinopathies, and thyroid function abnormalities in neonates.

Hepatitis A

The AAFP recommends immunizing adults for hepatitis A who live, work, or travel in areas where hepatitis A is endemic and periodic outbreaks occur, or users of injection or street drugs, military personnel, men who have sex with men, and institutionalized persons and those working in those institutions. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing children for hepatitis A who are more than 2 years of age and all adolescents who are living in, traveling to, or working in areas where hepatitis A is endemic and periodic outbreaks occur. Immunize using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Hepatitis B

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing infants and children who are unimmunized at age 11 to 12 for hepatitis B using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing persons for hepatitis B who are injection drug users and their sexual partners, have a history of multiple sexual partners in a previous 6 months, have recently acquired a sexually transmitted disease, are recipients of certain drug products, have a health related job with frequent exposure to blood or blood products, are travelers to countries where hepatitis B virus (HBV) is of high or intermediate endemicity, or who are men who have sex with men. Complete primary series. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP recommends immunizing for hepatitis B unimmunized persons age 12 to 24 years with no reliable history of hepatitis B infection or previous immunization. Discuss immunization using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Hepatitis B Virus Infection

The AAFP strongly recommends screening for HBV infection in pregnant women at their first prenatal visit. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshepb.htm)

The AAFP recommends against routinely screening the general asymptomatic population for chronic HBV infection. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshepb.htm)

Hepatitis C

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in asymptomatic adults who are not at increased risk (general population) for infection. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshepc.htm)

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

The AAFP found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adults at high risk for infection. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshepc.htm)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection

The AAFP strongly recommends that physicians screen for HIV infection all adolescents and adults at increased risk for HIV infection. (Go to Clinical Considerations for discussion of risk factors: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/hiv/hivrs.htm) Also See: HIV Policy Statement (August 2006)

The AAFP recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women for HIV. (Clinical Considerations: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/hiv/hivrs.htm) Also See: HIV Policy Statement (August 2006)

The AAFP makes no recommendation for or against routinely screening for HIV in adolescents and adults who are not at increased risk for HIV infections. (Go to Clinical Considerations for discussion of risk factors: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/hiv/hivrs.htm) Also See: HIV Policy Statement (August 2006)

Hormone Replacement Therapy

The AAFP recommends against the routine use of combined estrogen and progestin for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/ht/htpostmenrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP recommends against the routine use of unopposed estrogen for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/ht/htpostmenrs.htm#clinical)

Hypertension

The AAFP strongly recommends that family physicians screen adults aged 18 and older for high blood pressure. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshype.htm)

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for high blood pressure in children and adolescents to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshype.htm)

Influenza

The AAFP recommends immunizing children and adolescents age 6 months or older for influenza who are residents of chronic care facilities, or who have chronic cardiopulmonary disorders, metabolic disease including diabetes mellitus, hemoglobinopathies, immunosuppression, or renal dysfunction for influenza. Discuss immunizing annually using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP recommends immunizing adults for influenza who are residents of chronic care facilities, or suffer from chronic cardiopulmonary disorders, metabolic disease (including diabetes mellitus), hemoglobinopathies, immunosuppression, renal dysfunction, or are health care providers for the above. Discuss immunization annually using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP recommends immunizing all persons age 50 years and older for influenza. Discuss immunization annually using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The AAFP recommends against the use of immune marker screening for insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in asymptomatic persons.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The AAFP recommends routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic pregnant women. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/ironsc/ironrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/ironsc/ironrs.htm#clinical)

Lead Poisoning

The AAFP concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children aged 1 to 5 years who are at increased risk. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/lead/leadrs.htm#Clinical)

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for elevated blood levels in asymptomatic pregnant women. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/lead/leadrs.htm#Clinical)

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for elevated blood levels in asymptomatic children aged 1 to 5 years who are at average risk. (Clinical Considerations:  www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/lead/leadrs.htm#Clinical)

Lipid Disorders

The AAFP strongly recommends screening for lipid disorders with either a fasting lipid profile or nonfasting total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in males age 35 and older, and females age 45 and older. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/ajpmsuppl/lipidrr.htm#section2)

Lung Cancer

The AAFP recommends against the use of chest x-ray and/or sputum cytology in asymptomatic persons for lung cancer screening. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspslung.htm)

Measles

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for measles using AAFP recommendations unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all persons born after 1956 who lack evidence of immunity to measles (receipt of live vaccine on or after the first birthday, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of physician-diagnosed measles) with a single dose for measles, mumps, and rubella. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing adolescents and young adults in settings where such individuals congregate (e.g., high schools, technical schools, and colleges), if they have not previously received a second dose for measles, mumps, and rubella. Give second dose at least 1 month after first dose. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Mumps

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for mumps using AAFP recommendations unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Meningococcus, Conjugate Vaccine (Adolescents)

The AAFP recommends routine vaccination of adolescents: young adolescents at a pre-adolescent visit (11 to 12 years old); adolescents at high school entry (15 years old) for those who have not previously received MCV4; and other adolescents who wish to decrease their risk of meningococcal disease. (AAFP Clinical Recommendations for Immunizations: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Meningococcus, Conjugate Vaccine

The AAFP recommends for routine vaccination of other populations at increased risk of meningococcal disease: college freshman living in dormitories; microbiologists who are routinely exposed to isolates of Neisseria meningitidis; military recruits; persons who travel to or reside in countries in which N. meningitidis is hyperendemic or epidemic, particularly if contact with local population will be prolonged; persons who have terminal complement component deficiencies, and those who have anatomic or functional asplenia; and other adolescents, college students, and HIV patients who wish to decrease their risk of meningococcal disease. (AAFP Clinical Recommendations for Immunizations: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Neural Tube Defects

The AAFP strongly recommends prescribing 0.4 to 0.8 mg/day of folic acid supplementation from at least 1 month prior to conception through the first trimester of pregnancy to women planning to become pregnant who have not had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect.

The AAFP recommends prescribing 0.4 mg folate supplementation to women not planning a pregnancy but of childbearing potential who have not previously had a baby with a neural tube defect.

The AAFP strongly recommends prescribing 4 mg/day of folic acid supplementation from 1 to 3 months prior to conception through the first trimester of pregnancy to women who are planning a pregnancy and had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect.

Obesity

The AAFP recommends that family physicians screen all adult patients for obesity and offer intensive counseling and behavioral interventions to promote sustained weight loss for obese adults. Intensive counseling involves more than one session per month for at least 3 months. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsobes.htm)

Optimal weight management in children and adolescents is desirable. The effectiveness of screening and counseling for overweight is uncertain. (Clinical Considerations: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsobch.htm)

Oral Cancer

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routinely screening adults for oral cancer. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsoral.htm)

Osteoporosis

The AAFP recommends routinely screening women aged 65 and older for osteoporosis. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/osteoporosis/osteorr.htm#consideration)

The AAFP recommends routinely screening women aged 60 and older at increased risk for osteoporotic fractures. (Clinical Considerations; www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/osteoporosis/osteorr.htm#consideration)

The AAFP recommends counseling females age 11 and older to maintain adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis.

Ovarian Cancer

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for ovarian cancer. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsovar.htm)

Ovarian Cancer/BRCA Mutation Testing

The AAFP recommends that women whose family history is associated with an increased risk for deleterious mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes be referred for genetic counseling and evaluation for BRCA testing. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/brcagen/brcagenrs.htm#clinical)

The AAFP recommends against routine referral for genetic counseling or routine breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) testing for women whose family history is not associated with increased risk for deleterious mutations in breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2). (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/brcagen/brcagenrs.htm#clinical)

Pancreatic Cancer

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic adults using abdominal palpation, ultrasonography, or serologic markers. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspspanc.htm)

Peripheral Arterial Disease

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf05/pad/padrs.htm#clinical)

Pertussis

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for pertussis using AAFP recommendations unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Phenylketonuria

The AAFP strongly recommends ordering screening test for Phenylketonuria in neonates.

Physical Activity

The AAFP recognizes that regular physical activity is desirable. The effectiveness of physician's advice and counseling in this area is uncertain. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsphys.htm)

Pneumococcal Disease

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children less than 24 months for pneumococcal disease using pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing healthy children living where pneumococcal disease is endemic using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing children less than 60 months with sickle cell, HIV, functional or anatomic asplenia, immunocompromising conditions, and chronic illness, and children who are African Americans, Alaskan Natives, and American Indians using pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP recommends immunizing children and adolescents with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, or anatomic asplenia or who live in special environments or social settings with an identified increased risk of pneumococcal disease. Discuss immunizing using AAFP recommendation. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP recommends immunizing institutionalized adults (age 50 years or older) or any adult with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, anatomic asplenia, or who live in special environments or social settings with an increased risk of pneumococcal disease (e.g., certain Native American or Native Alaskan populations). Discuss immunization using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP recommends immunizing adults age 65 years or older for pneumococcal disease. Discuss immunization using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP makes no recommendation either for or against pneumococcal conjugate immunization in children aged 24 to 59 months, including those children who attend childcare settings and children who had frequent or complicated acute otitis media in the previous year. As a practice option, discuss pneumococcal conjugate immunization. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Poliomyelitis

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for poliomyelitis using AAFP recommendations unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Prostate Cancer

The AAFP concludes that there is insufficient evidence on which to make a recommendation for or against routine screening for prostate cancer using prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing or digital rectal examination (DRE). (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/prostatescr/prostaterr.htm#clinical)

Rh (D) Incompatibility

The AAFP strongly recommends Rh (D) blood typing and antibody testing for all pregnant women during their first visit for pregnancy-related care. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsdrhi.htm)

The AAFP recommends repeated Rh (D) antibody testing for all unsensitized Rh (D)-negative women at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsdrhi.htm)

Rubella

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for rubella using AAFP recommendation unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Scoliosis, Idiopathic in Adolescents

The AAFP recommends against the routine screening of asymptomatic adolescents for idiopathic scoliosis. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsaisc.htm)

Second Hand Smoke

The AAFP strongly recommends to counsel smoking parents with children in the house regarding the harmful effects of smoking and children's health.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The AAFP recommends counseling adolescents and adults regarding the risks for sexually transmitted diseases and how to prevent them.

Skin Cancer

The AAFP concludes there is insufficient evidence on which to make a recommendation for or against routine screening for skin cancer in asymptomatic persons. (Clinical Considerations: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsskca.htm)

Speech and Language Delay in Preschool Children

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine use of brief, formal screening instruments in primary care to detect speech and language delay in children up to 5 years of age. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf06/speech/speechrs.htm#clinical)

Syphilis

The AAFP strongly recommends that clinicians screen persons at increased risk for syphilis infection. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspssyph.htm)

The AAFP strongly recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women for syphilis infection. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspssyph.htm)

The AAFP recommends against routine screening of asymptomatic persons who are not at increased risk for syphilis infection. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspssyph.htm)

Testicular Cancer

The AAFP recommends against routine screening for testicular cancer in asymptomatic adolescents and adult males. (Clinical Consideration: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspstest.htm)

Tetanus

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing all children for tetanus using AAFP recommendation unless contraindicated. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing adults for tetanus by completing the Td vaccine series if primary series hasn't been received. Boosters should be given every 10 years or at least at age 50. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Thyroid Cancer

The AAFP recommends against the use of ultrasound screening for thyroid cancer in asymptomatic persons. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsthca.htm)

Thyroid Disease

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for thyroid disease in adults. (Clinical Consideration: ww.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsthyr.htm)

Thyroid Function Abnormalities

The AAFP strongly recommends ordering screening test for thyroid function abnormalities in neonates.

Tobacco Use

The AAFP strongly recommends that clinicians screen all adults for tobacco use and provide tobacco cessation interventions for those who use tobacco products. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspstbac.htm)

The AAFP strongly recommends that clinicians screen all pregnant women for tobacco use and provide 5 to 15 minutes of smoking cessation counseling using messages and self-help materials tailored for pregnant smokers. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspstbac.htm)

The AAFP recognizes avoidance of tobacco products by children and adolescents is desirable. The effectiveness of physician advice and counseling in this area is uncertain. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspstbac.htm)

Tuberculosis

The AAFP strongly recommends screening for tuberculosis (TB) by applying the Mantoux test to patients at high risk for tuberculosis, including those with close contacts to person with known or suspected TB, health care workers, immigrants from countries with high TB prevalence, HIV positive individuals, alcoholics, injection drug users, residents of long term care facilities, and medically underserved low income people.

Vaginal Cancer

The AAFP recommends against screening for vaginal cancer with the use of Pap smears in women who have had hysterectomies for reasons other than cancer.

Varicella

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing healthy infants age 12 to 18 months for varicella using AAFP recommendation. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing for varicella unimmunized children and adolescents with no reliable history of varicella infection or previous immunization and to consider serologic testing instead of immediate immunization in history negative adolescents if able to comply if return visit needed using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing children and adolescents for varicella who are unimmunized or have no history of prior infection and who have been exposed to varicella in the last 3 to 5 days. Immunize using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP strongly recommends immunizing adults for varicella who are unimmunized or have no history of prior infection and who have been exposed to varicella in the last 3 to 5 days. Immunize using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

The AAFP recommends immunizing adults for varicella with no history of varicella or previous vaccination. Discuss immunization using AAFP recommendations. (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule: www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).

Visual Impairment

The AAFP recommends screening to detect amblyopia, strabismus, and defects in visual acuity in children younger than age 5 years. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsvsch.htm)

Visual Difficulties

The AAFP recommends screening for visual difficulties in elderly adults by performing Snellen acuity testing. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsvisi.htm)

Vitamin Supplementation

The AAFP concludes that the evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against the use of supplements of vitamins A, C, or E; multivitamins with folic acid; or antioxidant combinations for the prevention of cancer or cardiovascular disease. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsvita.htm)

The AAFP recommends against the use of beta-carotene supplements, either alone or in combination, for the prevention of cancer or cardiovascular disease. (Clinical Considerations: www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsvita.htm)

Definitions:

The strength of the recommendation for or against a preventive intervention was graded as follows:

Strongly Recommend: Good quality evidence exists which demonstrates substantial net benefit over harm; the intervention is perceived to be cost effective and acceptable to nearly all patients.

Recommend: Although evidence exists which demonstrates net benefit, either the benefit is only moderate in magnitude or the evidence supporting a substantial benefit is only fair. The intervention is perceived to be cost effective and acceptable to most patients.

No Recommendation Either For or Against: Either good or fair evidence exists of at least a small net benefit. Cost-effectiveness may not be known or patients may be divided about acceptability of the intervention.

Recommend Against: Good or fair evidence which demonstrates no net benefit over harm.

Insufficient Evidence to Recommend Either For or Against: No evidence of even fair quality exists or the existing evidence is conflicting.

Healthy Behavior is identified as desirable but the effectiveness of physician's advice and counseling is uncertain.

CLINICAL ALGORITHM(S)

None provided

EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS

TYPE OF EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations are based on review of scientific knowledge presented by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in the "Guide to Clinical Preventive Services," 2nd ed. Baltimore (MD): Williams & Wilkins, 1996 and ongoing releases of evidence reports and recommendations from the 3rd edition.

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION AND AVAILABILITY

BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCE(S)

  • American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Summary of recommendations for clinical preventive services. Revision 6.4. Leawood (KS): American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP); 2007 Aug. 15 p.

ADAPTATION

The starting point for the recommendations is the rigorous analysis of scientific knowledge available as presented by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in their Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2nd Edition and ongoing releases of evidence reports and recommendations from the 3rd Edition.

DATE RELEASED

1996 Nov (revised 2007 Aug)

GUIDELINE DEVELOPER(S)

American Academy of Family Physicians - Medical Specialty Society

SOURCE(S) OF FUNDING

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

GUIDELINE COMMITTEE

Commission on Clinical Policies and Research
Working Group on Clinical Preventive Services

COMPOSITION OF GROUP THAT AUTHORED THE GUIDELINE

Not stated

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES/CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Not stated

GUIDELINE STATUS

This is the current release of the guideline.

This guideline updates a previous version: American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Summary of recommendations for clinical preventive services. Revision 6.3. Leawood (KS): American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP); 2007 Mar. 15 p.

GUIDELINE AVAILABILITY

Electronic copies: Available in Portable Document Format (PDF) from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Web site.

Print copies: Available from the American Academy of Family Physicians, 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211.

AVAILABILITY OF COMPANION DOCUMENTS

None available

PATIENT RESOURCES

None available

NGC STATUS

This summary was completed by ECRI on June 30, 1998. The information was verified by the guideline developer on December 1, 1998. The information was updated by ECRI on October 31, 2001, February 14, 2002, October 7, 2002, January 13, 2004, December 7, 2004, and August 5, 2005. This summary was updated by ECRI on October 5, 2005 following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory on Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine A, C, Y, and W135). This summary was updated by ECRI on November 15, 2005. This summary was updated by ECRI on October 25, 2006 following the updated FDA advisory on Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine). This NGC summary was updated by ECRI Institute on November 13, 2006, October 30, 2007, and most recently on December 11, 2007. The updated information was verified by the guideline developer on November 16, 2007.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

This NGC summary is based on the original guideline, which is subject to the guideline developer's copyright restrictions.

DISCLAIMER

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