The Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) was established in 1992 by the Minnesota State Legislature as a non-partisan, independent body charged with assessing new and existing health care technologies and applying a Minnesota perspective.

These assessments are based on evaluations of existing research and assessments of technology, providing balanced, objective information important to the entire health care system.

Contents

• Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for Chondral Knee Damage
  Created: September 1999.
  • Overview
  • Findings
  • Conclusions
  • References
• Automatic External Defibrillators (AED)
  Created: March 1999.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Technology and Alternative Technologies
  • Patient Outcome
  • Costs
  • Other
  • Issues of Controversy
  • Conclusions/Recommendations
  • References
• Bone Densitometry as a Screening Tool for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
  Created: August 1997.
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Findings
  • Cost-Analyses of Bone Densitometry as a Screening Tool for Osteoporosis
  • Bone Densitometry in Minnesota
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Bone Density Screening Techniques
  • Appendix II: Equipment Costs and Average Charge Per Scan
  • Appendix III: Treatments for Osteoporosis
  • Appendix IV: Guidelines from other sources
  • Appendix V: Distribution Plan
  • Appendix VI: Public Comments on Preliminary HTAC Report
  • Appendix VII: Summary of Public Testimony
  • References
• Cadaver Donor Pancreas Transplantation for Poorly Controlled Type I Diabetes
  Created: July 1996.
  • Executive Summary
  • Technology Fact Sheet
  • Technical Report
  • REFERENCES
• Dental Implants
  Created: February 2000.
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Who should have implants?
  • Complications
  • Benefits
  • Cost
  • Conclusion
  • References
• Detection of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) with Electron Beam Computed Tomography (EBCT)
  Created: October 1997.
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Detection and Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease
  • Electron Beam Computed Tomography
  • Potential Applications of EBCT
  • Findings
  • Recommendations
• Fetal Heart Rate Assessment During Labor
  Created: January 1996.
  • Executive Summary
  • Technical Report
  • Appendix I Hayes Directory of New Medical Technologies' Status Legal Precendent ReportElectronic Fetal Monitoring During Labor
  • Appendix II Public Comments on Preliminary Report
  • Appendix III Public Testimony Taken bythe Minnesota Health Care Commission onJanuary 17, 1996 Regarding HTAC's Final TechnologyEvaluation Report
  • References
• Genetic Testing for Susceptibility to Breast Cancer
  Created: June 1998.
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Tests for Susceptibility to Breast Cancer
  • Genetic Testing and Patient Outcome
  • Cost-effectiveness of Genetic Testing
  • Unresolved Issues in Genetic Testing for Susceptibility to Breast Cancer
  • Findings
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I : Recommendations of Professional Groups Regarding Genetic Testing
  • Appendix II: Report Distribution Plan
  • References
• Helical Computed Tomography (CT) for Lung Cancer Screening of Asymptomatic Patients
  Created: December 2000.
  • Executive Summary
  • Background
  • Patient Selection Criteria
  • Findings
  • Quality of Evidence
  • Technical Issues
  • Credentialing and Licensing
  • Safety
  • Cost and Cost-effectiveness
  • Future of Procedure
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Recommendations from Government Agencies and Professional Organizations Regarding Helical CT Scanners
  • Appendix II: Methodology
  • Appendix III: Clinical Studies Evaluating Helical Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening
  • Appendix IV: Public Comment
  • References
• High-Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation and/or Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Breast Cancer
  Created: August 1996.
  • High-Dose Chemotherapy With Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation and/or Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Breast Cancer
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing for Pregnant Women
  Created: June 1997.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing for Pregnant Women
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Transmission of HIV from Women to Their Infants
  • Prevalence of HIV Infection in Women and Children in the United States and Minnesota
  • Prevention of Mother-to-Infant HIV Transmission
  • HIV Testing Program Components and Treatment Needs
  • Comparison of HIV Testing Alternatives
  • Economic Considerations of HIV Testing in Pregnant Women
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • Appendix I. Comparison in the Rate of HIV Positive Women Delivering Infants andPerinatal HIV TransmissionUnited States and Minnesota
  • Appendix II. HIV Prevalence for Childbearing Women by Area of Residence of Mother for the State of Minnesota 1988-1996Rate per 10,000 Population (95 Percent Confidence Interval)
  • Appendix III
  • Appendix IV
  • Appendix V
  • Appendix VI. Adaptation of a Model For Economic Impact of Testing And Treating HIV Positive Pregnant Women And Their Babies in Minnesota
  • Appendix VII
  • Appendix VIII
  • REFERENCES
• Implantable Neurostimulation Devices
  Created: September 1998.
  • Introduction
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation for Pain Management
  • Additional Applications of Neurostimulation
  • Summary
  • Additional Contacts for Neurostimulation Information
  • References
• Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) for Lower Back Pain
  Created: March 2001.
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Background
  • What to Expect
  • Patient Selection
  • Alternatives
  • Cost
  • Safety and Complications
  • Conclusions
  • Figures
  • References
• In Vitro Fertilization As A Medical Treatment For Male or Female Infertility
  Created: May 1997.
  • In Vitro Fertilization As A Medical Treatment For Male or Female Infertility
• Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  Created: February 2001.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Treatment of SAD
  • Findings
  • Evaluation of Evidence
  • Safety
  • Cost and Cost-effectiveness
  • Future of Procedure
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Methodology
  • Appendix II: Summary of Clinical Studies of Light Therapy for SAD
  • Appendix III: Public Comment
  • References
• MMR Vaccine and Autism: No Evidence of Association
  Created: June 2001.
  • Executive Summary
  • Background
  • Findings
  • Safety
  • Measles, mumps, rubella, and autism
  • Vaccines
  • Cost
  • Conclusion
  • Appendix I: Summary of Studies
  • Appendix II: Six Common Misconceptions about Immunization
  • Appendix III: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Epidemiology
  • Appendix IV: Public Comment
  • References
• Neuroimaging to Evaluate Headache: Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  Created: November 1995.
  • Introduction
  • Types of Headache
  • Diagnosis of Headache
  • FDA Approval
  • Public Agencies and Professional Associations
  • Review of Evidence
  • Review of Evidence: Alternative Technologies
  • Conclusions: Net Health Outcome
  • Evaluation of Cost Effectiveness
  • Conclusions: Comparison of Cost
  • Other Considerations
  • Appendix I
  • Appendix II. Hayes Directory of New Medical Technologies' Status Legal Precedent Report
  • Summary
  • Materials Found Directly Related to Insurance Coverage
  • Materials Found Indirectly Related to Insurance Coverage
  • Materials Found Directly Related to Medical Malpractice
  • Materials Found Indirectly Related to Medical Malpractice
  • Appendix A. Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC)
  • Appendix B. Public Comments on Preliminary Report
  • References
• New Technologies for Cervical Cancer Screening
  Created: January 1999.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Pap Smear Methods
  • Strategies To Lower The Rate Of Cervical Cancer
  • Review of Peer-Reviewed, Published Literature
  • Other Technology Reports
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Classification Systems for Cervical Cytology
  • Appendix II: Summary of Clinical Laboratory Regulations of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)
  • Appendix III: Findings from the Medical Literature
  • Appendix IV: Public Comment
  • References
• New Vaccinations: Lyme Disease, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A and Pneumococcal Disease
  Created: December 1999.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Lyme Disease Vaccine
  • Rotavirus Vaccine
  • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine
  • Vaers
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: The VAERS Reporting Form
  • Appendix II: VAERS Contact Information
  • Appendix III: Public Comment
  • References
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for Oncologic Applications
  Created: March 1999.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Cost of Pet
  • Issues of Controversy
  • Future of PET
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Radiotracers Used and Types of PET Image Analysis
  • Appendix II: Studies Assessing the Utility of PET
  • Appendix III: Clinical Studies Summaries
  • Appendix IV: Government Agencies and Professional Organizations
  • Appendix V: Public Comments
  • Acronyms and Abbreviations
  • References
• Post-Delivery Care and Stabilization of Mother and Newborn
  Created: April 1996.
  • Executive Summary
  • Technical Report
  • APPENDIX I: Glossary
  • APPENDIX II: Summary of Reviewed Articles
  • APPENDIX III: Health Plan Policies
  • APPENDIX IV: Minnesota Statistics
  • APPENDIX V:Minnesota Statutes 199662a.0411 Maternity Care
  • APPENDIX VI:Public Comments on Preliminary Report
  • APPENDIX VII:Public Testimony Taken by the Minnesota Health CareCommissionon March 20, 1996, Regarding HTAC's FinalTechnology Evaluation Report
  • References
• Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation (PABD)
  Created: September 2000.
  • Executive Summary
  • Background
  • PABD Risks
  • Cost
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Studies Assessing the Efficacy of PABD in Elective Hip Surgery
  • Appendix II: Public Comment
  • References
• Preventive Therapies for Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer
  Created: September 1999.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Risk Factors
  • Preventive Therapies: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMS)
  • Preventive Therapies: Mastectomy
  • Costs and Cost-effectiveness
  • Statements of Professional Organizations
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Breast Cancer Risk Factor Groups from Hartmann et al study
  • Appendix II: National Cancer Institute (NCI): Guidelines for Preventive Mastectomy
  • Appendix III: Public Comment
  • References
• Radiographic Absorptiometry as a Diagnostic and Management Tool for Osteoporosis
  Created: November 1997.
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Radiographic Absorptiometry's Effectiveness and Predictive Value
  • The Safety of Direct Exposure X-Ray Film's Use in Radiographic Absorptiometry
  • The Impact of Radiographic Absorptiometry on Minnesotans: Summary Conclusions
  • Recommendations
• Refractive Eye Surgery for Myopia
  Created: June 1999.
  • Refractive Eye Surgery for Myopia (Nearsightedness)
• St. John's Wort
  Created: December 2000.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • FDA
  • Background
  • Uses
  • Findings
  • Dosage
  • Safety
  • Issues of Controversy
  • Cost
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Summary of Studies
  • Appendix II: Side Effects, Adverse Effects, Precautions, and Warnings
  • Appendix III: Selected Information Resources
  • Appendix IV: Foods Containing the AminoAcids Tryptophan and Tyrosine
  • Appendix V: Cost Comparison
  • Appendix VI: Description of Hamilton Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impressions Scale
  • Appendix VII: Public Comments
  • References
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Neurological Applications
  Created: June 1995.
  • Executive Summary
• Surgical Alternatives to Hysterectomy for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  Created: June 2000.
  • Executive Summary
  • Medical Background
  • Surgical Treatments
  • Patient Selection Criteria
  • Pre-operative Preparation
  • Endometrial Ablation Techniques
  • Endometrial Ablation Compared to Hysterectomy
  • Endometrial Ablation Compared to Drug Treatment
  • Safety
  • Issues of Controversy
  • Costs And Cost-effectiveness
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Methodology
  • Appendix II: Government Agencies And Professional Organizations Guidelines
  • Appendix III: Randomized Controlled Trials on the Efficacy of TCRE versus Hysterectomy
  • Appendix IV: Clinical Studies on the Efficacy of ELA
  • Appendix V: Clinical Studies on the Efficacy of TBEA
  • Appendix VI: Randomized Controlled Trials on the Efficacy of EA versus Standard Treatment
  • Appendix VII: Public Comment
  • References
• Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction
  Created: May 1994.
  • Executive Summary
• Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke (Brain Attack) Questions and Answers
  Created: May 1998.
  • Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke (Brain Attack) Questions and Answers
  • Additional Reading
• Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
  Created: June 1999.
  • Executive Summary
  • Background
  • Evaluation of the Evidence
  • Diagnosis and Monitoring of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Costs and Cost-Effectiveness
  • Findings and Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: Definitions
  • Appendix II: Methodology
  • Appendix III: Guidelines
  • Appendix IV: Summary of Concusions by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)
  • Appendix V: Public Comment
  • References
• Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
  Created: July 1997.
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Findings
  • Summary Conclusions
  • Summary Recommendations
  • Appendix I
  • Appendix II
  • Appendix III
  • Appendix IV
  • Appendix V
  • References and Bibliography
• Use Of Botulinum Toxin-A In Pain Associated with Neuromuscular Disorders
  Created: July 2001.
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Focal Dystonia with Pain
  • Spastic Disease States with Pain
  • Patient Selection Criteria
  • Evaluation of Evidence
  • Efficacy
  • Safety
  • Cost and Cost-effectiveness
  • Alternative Treatments
  • Issues of Controversy
  • Future of Procedure
  • Conclusions
  • Appendix I: Methodology
  • Appendix II: Summary of Studies
  • References
• The Use of Human Growth Hormone for Children with Idiopathic Short Stature
  Created: February 2000.
  • Executive Summary
  • Background
  • Evaluation of Evidence
  • Efficacy
  • Safety
  • Cost and Cost-Effectiveness
  • Issues of Controversy
  • Ethical Issues
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Appendix I: FDA - Approval Status of rhGH Products
  • Appendix II: Summary of Studies on Human Growth Hormone for Children with Idiopathic Short Stature
  • Appendix III: Search Strategy
  • Appendix IV: Government Agencies and Professional Associations
  • Appendix V: Public Comment
  • Appendix VI: Summary of Guidelines for Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment
  • References