Practice parameters/clinical policies: the new approach to the practice of medicine.

Practice parameters or clinical policies and the future practice of medicine are covered in a series of three articles. In Part I, the term practice parameters is defined, and the background of practice parameters at the federal, AMA, and specialty society level is discussed. In Part II, the development, application, dissemination, and monitoring of practice parameters, including the clinical usage and impact, will be discussed. In Part III, the advantages, disadvantages, and legal implications of practice parameters will be reviewed.