Scope and Target Population:
To provide a comprehensive approach to the provision of preventive services, counseling, education, and disease screening for average-risk, asymptomatic individuals from birth through age 18. There are occasional exceptions to this for high-risk populations where noted.

This guideline targets asymptomatic children seeking health care who would benefit from preventive services. This resource is intended to assist in the prioritization of screening manuvers, testing and counseling opportunities. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Consequently, once a health issue or condition has been uncovered, other guidelines (such as the ICSI Prevention and Management of Obesity [Mature Adolescents and Adults] guideline) will take precedence during any further diagnosis and management.

Clinical Highlights and Recommendations:

• All clinic visits – whether acute, chronic or for preventive service – are opportunities for prevention. Incorporate appropriate preventive services at every opportunity.
  
• Assess patients for risk factors at periodic intervals.
  
• Address or initiate child preventive services that providers and care systems must deliver (based on best evidence) (Level I).
  - Childhood Immunization Series
  - Chlamydia Screening
  - Vision Screening

Priority Aims:

1. Increase regular use of health-risk assessments.
   
2. Increase the percentage of patients who are on time with recommended immunizations. See Table 1: Child Preventive Services That Providers and Care Systems Must Deliver (Based on Best Evidence) (Level I): Childhood Immunizations Series.
   
3. Reduce missed opportunities for administering immunizations.
   
4. Decrease the percentage of patients who are behind with recommended immunizations by creating a catch-up plan.
   
5. Increase the percent of sexually active female patients under the age of 25 who are screened for chlamydia.
   
6. Increase percentage of children age four years and younger who have had vision screening.

Additional Background:
The guideline was developed using an evidence-based approach, which emphasizes the critical evaluation of scientific evidence, rather than expert opinion or consensus. The guideline also identifies those services that should not be included in light of similarly strong evidence.