Evidence Analysis

It is a challenge for health plans and clinicians to distill and analyze volumes of clinical evidence to determine likely clinical, financial, and risk impacts. This is what we do.

Accessed through the Hayes Knowledge Center, the Evidence Analysis Solution addresses the following fundamental questions to help our clients determine coverage positions:

  • Does the technology improve health outcomes?
  • Are there other benefits associated with the technology?
  • What harms might be associated with the technology?
  • Have patient selection criteria been established for the technology?
  • For which patients might the technology provide a benefit?

Thermal Pulsation for Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Health Problem: Dry eye disease (DED) is a type of ocular surface disorder. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) contributes to DED in approximately 60% of patients. The meibomian glands are present in the upper and lower eyelids and they secrete lipids that are an important component of tears. The oily lipids float to the surface of tear soluti…

Tumor Treating Fields (Optune) for Treatment of Glioblastoma

Health Problem: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant intracranial tumor, representing as much as 16% of primary brain tumors. GBM is a fast-growing glioma that develops from glial cells in the brain; it is also referred to as a grade IV astrocytoma. In the United States, the annual incidence of GBM ranges from 0.59 to 3….

DeNovo NT Natural Tissue Graft (Zimmer Inc.) for Articular Cartilage Repair of the Knee or Ankle

Health Problem: Articular cartilage is a resilient connective tissue that covers and lubricates joints at the interfaces of long bones to reduce friction during movement. Articular cartilage lesions have been reported in 4% to 6% of all knee arthroscopies (up to 36% in athletes). Chondral and osteochondral lesions of the ankle are commonly related to ankle sprain, affecting 1…

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for Diagnosis of Cutaneous Melanoma

Health Problem: Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin that derive embryonically from the neural crest. This malignant cancer occurs primarily in adults and the most favorable prognoses are obtained when lesions are thin, minimally invasive, and confined to the primary site. Conversely, the proba…

XEN Glaucoma Treatment System (Allergan) for Treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma

Health Problem: Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells; remodeling of the lamina cribrosa; structural changes to the nerve; elevated intraocular pressure; and progressive, irreversible loss of vision, leading to blindness. Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is associated with partial blockage of the fl…

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Sarcoma with Peritoneal Involvement

Health Problem: Cancer within the abdominal cavity sometimes occurs as sarcoma (cancer affecting mesodermal tissue, e.g., connective tissue). Sarcomas within the abdominal cavity might be secondary tumors that have spread from the site of origin or they might represent primary tumor in the form of retroperitoneal sarcoma. Abdominal sarcomas a…

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Treatment of Esophageal Achalasia

Health Problem: Esophageal achalasia (EA) is an uncommon motility disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and esophageal aperistalsis. Treatment for EA includes both conservative treatment options, such as pharmaceutical therapies or botulinum toxin injection, and invasive opti…