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?

Laser Therapy Using MonaLisa Touch (Cynosure Inc.) for Vulvovaginal Atrophy

Health Problem: Vulvovaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis or genitourinary syndrome of menopause, is a collection of signs and symptoms that are caused by changes to the urogenital tissues due to a decrease in estrogen and other sex steroids. Effects of vulvovaginal atrophy include sexual and urinary tract dysfunction, such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and uri…

Superficial Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Health Problem: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) encompasses basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). NMSCs are the most prevalent malignancies in the white population. The incidence is rising in large part due to an aging population. Related mortality is low but considerable morbidity can result. The most common anatomical sites are those with the most sun …

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Biologic Mesh for Hernia Repair: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of an organ, intestine, or fatty tissue through a muscle or connective tissue. Hernias can occur in many places, including the abdomen (ventral hernia), within the abdomen (hiatal hernia), inner groin (inguinal hernia), outer groin (femoral hernia), umbilical area, or at a site of an incision or scar. The pathophysiological mec…

Continuous Passive Motion for Knee Indications: A Review of Reviews

Health Problem: Joint contracture refers to a decreased range of motion (ROM) in joints. Contractures may occur with joint disease, trauma, healing, or may be secondary to elasticity-limiting structural changes in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and/or skin. For knees, surgical repair of the knee ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and total knee arthrop…

Intacs for the Treatment of Keratoconus

Health Problem: Keratoconus is the most common corneal degenerative disorder. In keratoconus, collagen fibers within the cornea weaken and no longer maintain the normal round shape of the cornea. Consequently, the cornea bulges outward, steepens, and develops a progressive conical shape. This abnormal shape prevents light entering the eye from focusing directly on the retina, …

Comparative Effectiveness Review of Antimicrobial Central Venous Catheters

Health Problem: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) have a high rate of mortality among hospital-acquired infections. These infections pose such a high risk because patients who require central venous catheters (CVCs) are usually acutely ill or highly immunosuppressed.

Te…

Autologous Serum Eye Drops for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Health Problem: Dry eye disease (DED) is a group of tear film disorders attributed to reduced tear production or excessive tear evaporation and associated with ocular discomfort, visual symptoms, and possible disease of the ocular surface. DED is estimated to be present in 25% of all adults seen in ophthalmology and optometry clinics and in approximately 5 million adults ≥ 50 …