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.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules

Focus of the Report: This report focuses on the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treatment of symptomatic benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) in adult patients.

Technology Description: RFA is an ultrasound (US)-guided, minimally invasive treatment approach, which applies high frequen…

Annular Closure for Prevention of Lumbar Disc Reherniation

Focus of the Report: This report focuses on annular closure for the prevention of recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH) after lumbar discectomy (LD).

Technology Description: Annular closure is a surgical treatment that is performed immediately following an LDH debridement surgery (e.g., l…

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Focus of the Report: This report focuses on acupuncture (AP) for treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Technology Description: Traditional AP employs thin metal needles to pierce the skin at specific, defined sites. Related treatments involve application of pressure, electrical stimulation (…

Mobile Medical Applications for Substance Use Disorder

Focus of the Report: Substance abuse and drug addiction are conditions that are notoriously difficult to treat with long-term success, as 40% to 60% of patients with drug addiction relapse. Mobile medical applications (MMAs) may fill gaps that currently exist in conventional treatment programs by enabling patients to better manage their care and track their health and wellnes…

Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

Focus of the Report: This report focuses on the use of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) to treat refractory chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Technology Description: Peripheral nerve field stimulation is a neuromodulation technology characterized by ease of implant with minimized …

Pattern Electroretinography for Diagnosis of Glaucoma

Focus of the Report: This report focuses on pattern electroretinography (PERG) for the diagnosis of glaucoma.

Technology Description: Early diagnosis of glaucoma can reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Electroretinography (ERG) is a minimally invasive procedure that provides an objective assessment of retinal function. PERG is a …

Aquablation for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Focus of the Report: This report focuses on Aquablation therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Technology Description: Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that ablates overgrown prostatic tissue in order to restore patency to the urethral passageway. High-veloci…

Intravenous Ketamine for Chronic Nonmalignant Pain

Focus of the Report: This report focuses on the use of intravenous (IV) ketamine for the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain.

Technology Description: The hydrochloride (HCl) acid salt of ketamine is a rapid-acting phencyclidine anesthetic indicated for the induction of anesthesia prior to the administration of other general anesthetic agents, as a s…