Because we want everyone in our communities to have the healthiest heart possible, we are making our tools and protocols available to the communities we serve to help Californians lead heart healthier lives.
The clinical practice guidelines and other documents on this web site are provided as a community service for reference purposes only, and must be used only as specified in this disclaimer. These documents are intended for the use by clinicians authorized to practice in the state of California. If you are not a clinician and are reading these documents, you should understand that the information presented is intended and designed for use by those with experience and training in assessing and treating medical conditions. If you have questions about them, you should seek assistance from your clinician. The information contained on this web site is not intended to constitute the practice of medicine, including telemedicine.
These documents have been developed to assist clinicians by providing an analytical framework for the evaluation and treatment of selected common problems encountered in patients. These documents are not intended to establish a protocol for all patients with a particular condition. While the guidelines provide one approach to evaluating a problem, clinical conditions may vary significantly from individual to individual. Therefore, the clinician must exercise independent professional judgment and make decisions based upon the situation presented.
Kaiser Permanente's documents were created using an evidence-based process; however, the strength of the evidence supporting these documents differs. Because there may be differing yet reasonable interpretations of the same evidence, it is likely that more than one guideline on any given medical condition exists. Such guidelines, while they may be largely in agreement, will include a range of recommendations consistent with the existing state of the evidence.
While all of the Kaiser Permanente guidelines were developed, where possible, by achieving consensus among its practicing clinicians, they do not necessarily represent the views of all clinicians in Kaiser Permanente.
Finally, these documents may include recommendations that differ from certain federal or state health care mandates. Members of Kaiser Permanente should consult their Evidence of Coverage or call Member Services at the "800" number on their membership card for information about their health plan benefits, including those that may be available under federal or state mandates.
These documents are protected by copyright, and unless stated otherwise, may be downloaded and reproduced by users solely for their own personal, noncommercial use. Any other activity or reproduction of these documents or the information in them requires prior written permission from Kaiser Permanente. The trade names or trademarks or service marks of any of the organizations within Kaiser Permanente may not be used for any purpose.
The organizations within Kaiser Permanente retain all worldwide rights, title and interest in and to the documents provided on this Web site (including, but not limited to, ownership of all copyrights and other intellectual property rights therein), as well as all rights, title and interest in and to their trademarks, service marks and trade names worldwide, including any goodwill associated therewith.
Any reference in these guidelines to a specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, or manufacturer, does not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by Kaiser Permanente. The views and opinions expressed in these guidelines may not be used for any advertising, promotional, or product endorsement purposes.
Finally, although Kaiser Permanente believes that all of the information provided in its documents is accurate, specific recommendations derive from combining medical evidence with the opinion of Kaiser Permanente's clinicians. Although we have sought to ensure that the documents accurately and fully reflect our view of the appropriate combination of evidence and opinion at the time of initial publication, we cannot anticipate changes and take no responsibility or assume any legal liability for the continued currency of the information or for the manner in which any person who references them may apply them to any particular patient. Kaiser Permanente does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the completeness, clinical efficacy or value of any apparatus, product, or process described or referenced in the documents. We make no warranties regarding errors or omissions and assume no responsibility or liability for loss or damage resulting from the use of these documents.
April 2007
By clicking below, I attest that I am a clinician authorized to practice in the State of California.
Continue to Community Programs
©2007 Kaiser Permanente · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions · HTML Version