Health Problem: Joint contractures refer to a decreased range of motion (ROM) in diarthrodial (or movable) joints. Contractures may occur with joint disease, trauma, or healing, or secondarily to structural changes in muscle, tendons, ligaments, and/or skin that limit elasticity. Immobilization of a joint may create conditions that contribute to the development of contractures…
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
Mechanical Stretching Devices for the Treatment of Joint Contractures of the Extremities
Health Problem: Joint contractures refer to a decreased range of motion (ROM) that impairs function. Contractures may occur with many different afflictions, including neurological conditions, joint trauma, or healing; contractures may also occur secondarily to structural changes in muscle, tendons, ligaments, and/or skin that limit elasticity. Immobilization of a joint may cre…
Tap Water Iontophoresis for the Treatment of Primary Hyperhidrosis
Health Problem: Primary hyperhidrosis is defined as sweat production beyond what is physiologically necessary for the maintenance of thermal homeostasis without any discernible cause. The most common sites for involvement are the axillae, palms, and soles of the feet. Hyperhidrosis may have marked impact on ability to perform activities of daily living as well as quality of li…
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Refractory to Medical Therapy
Health Problem: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the United States and Europe. The prevalence of GERD is estimated at 8.8% to 25.9% in Europe and 18.1% to 27.8% in North America. GERD is defined by the presence of chronic symptoms or mucosal damage caused by an abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus….
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) for Cholecystectomy: A Review of Reviews
Health Problem: Bile is made by the body to aid in the digestion of fats. It is stored in the gallbladder, where it can crystallize to form gallstones. Although gallstones are often asymptomatic, they can cause acute cholecystitis with severe pain, inflammation, infection, and scarring of the gallbladder wall, particularly when they block the duct that leads from the gallbladd…
Intra-articular Facet Joint Injections for the Treatment of Chronic Nonmalignant Spinal Pain of Facet Joint Origin
Health Problem: Chronic pain is defined as persistent or episodic pain of a duration > 6 months of an intensity that adversely affects the function or well-being of an individual. Back and neck pain are very common conditions in the United States. Low back pain was the leading cause contributing to the most years lived with disability in 2010, both in the United States and …
Comparative Effectiveness Review of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Health Problem: The mitral valve (MV) in the heart normally prevents blood from flowing backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction, but this valve can fail due to wear or direct damage or due to changes in the shape of the heart. The resulting backward flow or regurgitation forces the ventricle to pump harder to maintain adequat…
Absorbable Perirectal Spacer (SpaceOAR System; Augmenix Inc.) During Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Health Problem: The National Cancer Institute estimates 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer (PCa) in 2017 and 26,730 deaths.
Technology Description: The SpaceOAR absorbable perirectal spacer (APS) is a polyethyl…
Intragastric Balloons for Treatment of Obesity
Health Problem: Obesity is a multifaceted condition, involving a combination of factors such as behavior, genetics, medication use, and dietary patterns, as well as community environment, education, and food marketing. Obesity is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, can significantly impact quality of life, and can foster conditions like di…
Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Health Problem: Herniated discs, also referred to as slipped, ruptured, or bulging discs, are injuries of the intervertebral structures that provide shock absorption in the spine. Disc herniations occurring in the lumbar spinal region may lead to pain, numbness, and/or weakness in the lower back and legs. For most patients, pain is temporary and responsive to conservative trea…