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?

Diamondback 360 Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System for Coronary Artery Disease

Health Problem: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is responsible for serious health effects, including myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Even in asymptomatic patients, CAD may be heralded by atherosclerosis, the thickening and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup. Atherosclerosis results from the accumulation of fatty deposits and cell products, including calcium and ot…

Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy and Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis for Pulmonary Embolism

Health Problem: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs when a blood clot blocks blood circulation and pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot dislodges and travels into pulmonary circulation. PE causes serious morbidity and mortality, with a 1-month mortality rate of 12%.

Technology Description: Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy

BostonSight Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) Treatment for Dry Eye Disease

Health Problem: Dry eye disease (DED), a subset of ocular surface disorders, is a group of tear film disorders attributed to reduced tear production or excessive tear evaporation. It is associated with ocular discomfort and visual symptoms. DED may result in considerable disability and may lead to loss of vision in more severe cases; and may threaten the outcomes of refractive…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Choline PET or Choline PET-CT for Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Health Problem: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. Within 10 years of successful treatment for localized prostate cancer, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels will rise to detectable levels in approximately 15% to 40% of men. Most often, a rising PSA is an indication of …

Phrenic Nerve Stimulation (remedē System) for Central Sleep Apnea

Health Problem: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a group of syndromes that are characterized by sleep-disordered breathing associated with diminished or absent respiratory effort. Conditions associated with CSA include: problems that affect the brainstem, including brain infection, stroke, or conditions of the cervical spine; severe obesity; certain medicines, such as narcotic pai…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Fluciclovine PET-CT or Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET-CT for Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Health Problem: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. Within 10 years of successful treatment for localized prostate cancer, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels will rise to detectable levels in approximately 15% to 40% of men. Most often, a rising PSA is an indication of …

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Rotator Cuff Repairs, Tendinopathies, and Related Conditions: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: Tears and/or tendinopathy of the rotator cuff (RC) can occur due to degeneration, trauma, repetitive overhead motions, and/or excessive loading. Current treatment strategies generally do not restore the native functional and structural properties of the ligament or tendon due to the poor intrinsic healing response of those tissues.

Technology Des…

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale for Prevention of Recurrent Cryptogenic Stroke

Health Problem: A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a persistent, flap-like opening between the atrial septum primum and secundum. In 25% of adults, the foramen ovale remains open, or patent. The presence of a PFO has no therapeutic consequence in otherwise healthy adults; however, right-to-left shunting can generate thrombus, with the potential for embolism to the brain or corona…

Acupuncture for Treatment of Postoperative Pain: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: More than 17 million surgeries were performed in hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers associated with hospitals in 2014 in the United States. Up to 80% of surgical patients have postoperative pain, or acute pain after surgery. Use of adjunct nonpharmacological analgesia, such as acupuncture, may reduce the need for pharmacological pain management and may, t…

LUKE Arm (Mobius Bionics LLC) for Upper Extremity Amputation

Health Problem: Amputation presents a significant disability that can have profound physical, psychological, and vocational consequences in a person’s life. Approximately 50,000 people undergo an amputation of the upper or lower limb each year in the United States, with upper limb amputations accounting for approximately 25% of these amputations.

Technology Desc…