Health Technology Assessments

Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) are a comprehensive systematic review and critical analysis of available evidence for A SINGLE medical technology for which there are several published clinical trials and a substantial body of evidence. This report details an entire technology class for which there are one or more indications or patient populations in use.

Our analysts evaluate clinical trial data, along with information regarding safety issues, coverage policies from the private and public sectors, regulatory approvals, consensus statements, and an overall projection of the potential clinical efficacy and economic impact of the technology. Reports are reviewed annually up to 5 years post publication to determine if there is new literature or evidence that would impact a change in rating and warrant an updated report.

Cranial Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

Health Problem: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

Health Technology: Cranial electrical stimulation (CES) is a noninvasive therapeutic device that applies alternating pulsed current (< 1000 microamperes) transcutaneously to the head via electrodes placed on the earlobe…

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain

Health Problem: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) can be defined as low back pain (usually, in the L1-L5 vertebrae in the lumbar region) that persists ≥ 12 weeks, even after treatment of the initial injury or underlying cause of acute low back pain. Low back pain impairs people’s physical and psychological health and their ability to work and take care of their family and social re…

Acupuncture for the Prevention or Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: Nausea is a subjective phenomenon of an unpleasant sensation in the epigastrium and back of the throat that may or may not progress to vomiting. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum through the mouth. Three causes of nausea and vomiting that acupuncture has been investigated for the treatment of include pregnan…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Episodic and Chronic Tension-Type Headache and Episodic Migraine: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: Headache is a common neurological condition characterized by aching or pain that occurs in 1 or more areas of the head, face, mouth, or neck. Headaches may be primary or secondary. Familiar types of primary headaches include tension-type (TTH), migraine, and cluster. Twenty percent of women and 9.7% of men in the United States report having had a severe headach…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization Versus Alternative Hemorrhoidal Treatments

Health Problem: Hemorrhoids are enlarged and/or symptomatic venous cushions in the rectum and anus. They are composed of clusters of vascular tissue, smooth muscle, and connective tissue. Symptomatic hemorrhoids are thought to develop when their supporting tissues deteriorate, causing abnormal downward displacement of the anal cushions and venous dilation. They can cause pain,…