All Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama guidelines are based on the most current scientific evidence, and are adapted from standards published by nationally recognized authorities. In addition, each guideline is reviewed and approved at least annually by the Blue Cross Quality of Care Committee.

Click on the links below to view the guidelines.

Preventive Health Guidelines

Preventive Health Guidelines are standards of care developed to encourage the appropriate provision of preventive services to patients, according to their age, gender and risk-status. These services include screenings, immunizations and physical examinations.

Perinatal Care

Neonatal – Perinatal 
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

0-20 Years

Bright Futures Guidelines and Pocket Guide
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

20-64 Years

AAFP Clinical Preventative Services
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

65+ Years

AAFP Clinical Preventative Services 
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

Birth to 18 Years – Immunizations 

Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger 
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States 2025

Adults 19 Years and Older – Immunizations 

Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger 
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States 2025
 

Practice Guidelines

Practice Guidelines are systematically developed statements that help practitioners make decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific chronic or acute clinical circumstances.

Diabetes Management

Diabetes Care
Source: American Diabetes Association

Cardiovascular Disease Management

Guidelines of Primary Prevention of Stroke, 2025 
Source: American Heart Association and American Stroke Association

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Child and Adolescent

Tools for the Diagnosis of ADHD in Children and Adolescence: A Systematic Review 
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

ADHD Child and Adolescent Clinical Guideline 
Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and collaboration with Lucet

ADHD: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents, 2019 
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Adult Major Depression Guideline for Initial Outpatient Treatment of Adults

Major Depression Guideline for Initial Outpatient Treatment of Adults, 2015
Source: American Psychiatric Association and collaboration with Lucet

Opioid Prescription Management

CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, United States 2022 
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention