Updates to Clinical Practice Guidelines

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) updated the following Clinical Practice Guidelines:

• Asthma – Management and Prevention
• Cardiovascular Disease Guideline
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Diagnosis, Management and Prevention
• Metabolic Syndrome Guideline
• Tobacco Cessation Guideline
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) – Recommendations on First and Second Line Antiretroviral Regimens

Why it matters:

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are adopted by BCBSTX and are the foundation for Condition Management Programs. These guidelines are:

• Based on established evidence-based standards of care, publicized by specialty societies and national clinical organizations
• Updated at least every two years and when new significant findings or major advancements in evidence-based practices and standards of care are established
• Current, reviewed and approved by the BCBSTX Clinical Quality Improvement Committee

For help:

• Questions about the guidelines or to provide feedback, contact the Quality Improvement Department at 1-800-863-9798 or by email at ClinicalPracticeGuidelines@bcbstx.com
• CPGs are meant to serve as general guidelines and are not intended to substitute for clinical judgment in individual cases
• Refer to Clinical Practice Guidelines under Clinical Resources on the provider website for the Clinical Practice Guidelines and Preventive Care Guidelines that are available
• For questions or if you need additional information, please contact your BCBSTX Network Management Representative