GAPS (AMA Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services)

The article by Knishkowy and Palti¹ and the accompanying editorial by Joffe² in the February Archives were particularly timely, in view of the following resolution passed at the February meeting of District 2 of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Elk Grove Village, Ill.

The following resolution will be submitted to the AAPs 1997 Annual Chapter Forum:

TO PROMOTE ITS OPTIMAL HEALTH CARE STANDARDS  Whereas, the GAPS section of the AMA [American Medical Association] has recommended examination of adolescents every three years, but "screening" every year for risk behaviors, andWhereas, such recommendations may be used by MCOs [managed care organizations] in allowing and paying for such examinations only every three years, in direct opposition to the AAP policy of annual examinations at this critical age, therefore be itRESOLVED that the AAP urge the AMA, State and Local Medical Societies, legislators and health organizations to work together