Table 3. Types of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Reviewsa
| Category of Topic |
Definition |
Example |
| New |
Topic has not been reviewed previously by USPSTF. |
Genetic testing for BRCA |
| Updated |
| Full or targeted |
The USPSTF has made a recommendation on the topic previously and decides to
use resources to keep it current; scope of update depends on amount of new
evidence, complexity of the topic, controversies. |
Chlamydia screening |
| Reaffirmation |
The USPSTF has made a recommendation on the topic previously. Topics in this
category are well-established, evidence-based standards of care in current
medicine practice. Although the USPSTF would like these recommendations to
remain current, it recognizes that there is likely to be little or no new evidence
and opts for a brief evidence review. Such recommendations would previously
have been a grade A or D recommendation (occasionally, grade B). |
Hypertension and phenylketonuria |
| Referral to others |
The USPSTF previously made a recommendation on this topic but has decided to
refer to other organizations because:
1. The recommended service is the
standard of care and the USPSTF would have little impact.
2. The topic is
not a USPSTF priority and another organization has been identified by USPSTF
that has resources for the timely review of this topic. |
Child immunizations (refer to Advisory Council on
Immunization Practices) |
| Inactive |
The USPSTF previously made a recommendation on this topic but determines
that:
1. The service is no longer relevant to clinical practice (changes in
technology, new understanding of disease etiology or natural history of
disease).
2. The service is not relevant to the primary care setting (not
implemented in primary care setting or not referable by a primary care
clinician).
3. The target condition has a low public health burden.
4. The
topic is otherwise beyond the scope of the USPSTF. |
Home uterine monitoring |
Notes:
a. AHRQ = Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; EPC = Evidence-based Practice Center; USPSTF = U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
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