Health Problem: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition that develops over time due to circumstances that overwork and damage the heart. The primary causes include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. HF is characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. HF is estimated to affect approximately 5.7 million people in the United Stat…
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?
- Health Technology Assessments
- Evidence Analysis Research Briefs
- Evolving Evidence Review
- Clinical Research Responses
Conventional Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Treatment of LASIK-Related Ectasia
Health Problem: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the surface of the cornea with an excimer laser to focus visual images directly onto the retina and improve visual acuity. LASIK may disrupt the cornea. Post-LASIK corneal ectasia (also called keratectasia or keratoectasia) is a serious side effect that involves keratoconus-lik…
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Relief of Neuropathic Pain
Health Problem: Neuropathic pain is defined as pain that is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system and is distinct from other pain conditions. The transmission of sensory information in the peripheral and central nervous systems can be profoundly impacted by these deleterious factors and result in perception of painful sensations generated by the nervous sys…
iFuse Implant System (SI-Bone Inc.) for Sacroiliac Joint Fusion for Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Health Problem: Low back pain is the most common cause of chronic pain, with an estimated worldwide prevalence in adults ranging from 4% to 25%. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has been implicated as the primary source of pain in up to 10% to 30% of patients with chronic low back pain, although no widely accepted reference standard exists for the diagnosis of pain originating from …
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Antimicrobial Central Line Dressings for the Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections
Health Problem: Intravenous catheters provide essential venous access when treating patients who are acutely or chronically ill, but their use also increases the risk of complications such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). CLABSIs occur when microorganisms gain access to the bloodstream via 1 of several different routes: catheter hub contamination, c…
Hemospray for Endoscopic Hemostasis for Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Adults
Health Problem: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a serious, often life-threatening, condition. There are many potential sources of GI bleeding, including an underlying condition with ulcerative and nonulcerative lesions, malignancy, or as a result of medical interventions. Vascular malformations may underlie GI bleeding as well. Estimates of acute upper GI bleeding range from…
Measurement of Corneal Hysteresis for the Diagnosis and Management of Glaucoma
Health Problem: Glaucoma is a group of ocular disorders that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve, which results in loss of vision. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, with as many as 6 million people blind in both eyes due to this condition. In the United States, more than 3 million people have glaucoma, among whom up to half are unaware that …
Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (LINX Reflux Management System) for Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Health Problem: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder in which the normal function of the lower esophageal sphincter at the junction of the distal esophagus and stomach fails, allowing gastric fluid to reflux into the esophagus. Estimates suggest the prevalence of GERD in the United States ranges from 18% to 28%, with up to 40% of patients with GERD exhibiting a…
Ganglion Impar Block or Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for the Treatment of Chronic Coccydynia
Health Problem: Coccydynia is an uncommon painful condition in the tailbone area (coccyx). While a majority of cases resolve with or without conservative management within months, a small group of patients find coccydynia painful and debilitating.
Technology Description: Therapeutic intervention to the ganglion impar may be performed with a ganglion imp…
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Endoscopic Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Release: A Review of Reviews
Health Problem: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. It is characterized by increased pressure within the carpal tunnel and decreased function of the nerve. The estimated prevalence of CTS is 3.1% to 7.8% among adult workers, with higher prevalence among female and older-age workers.
Technology Description: <...