The Washington State Health Technology Clinical Committee (HTCC) determines how selected health technologies are covered by several state agencies (RCW 70.14.080-140). These technologies may include medical or surgical devices and procedures, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests. HTCC bases its decisions on evidence of the technology’s safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness. Pursuant to RCW 70.14.110., the HTCC that is composed of 11 independent health care professionals reviews all the data and other information and renders a coverage decision at an open public meeting.
Why Track HTAs?
- It is important to track and comment on such HTA reviews as participating state agencies are required to comply with the decisions of the HTCC. The HTCC decisions may be re-reviewed at the determination of the HCA Director.
- These HTAs also may be referenced by other states, thereby impact coverage and payment of medical technologies in multiple states.
The Washington State HTCC Coverage Topics
The HTCC members will make final coverage determinations on three recent technology assessments during a webinar meeting on July 10, 2020:
- Tinnitus: non-invasive, non-pharmacologic treatments
- Vagal nerve stimulation for epilepsy and depression
- Stem cell therapy for musculoskeletal conditions
Vagal nerve stimulation for epilepsy and depression
The committee reviewed and decided that it had the most complete information:
- a comprehensive and current evidence report,
- public comments, and
- state agency utilization information.
The committee discussed, weighted, and voted on the evidence for the use of vagal nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy and depression.
HTCC Coverage Decisions
Based on these findings, the committee made the following draft coverage decisions on May 15, 2020:
- Vagal nerve stimulation for epilepsy is a covered benefit with conditions consistent with the criteria identified in the reimbursement determination.
- Vagal nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression is not a covered benefit.
- Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation for epilepsy or depression is not a covered benefit.
The final coverage decisions will be made on July 10th, 2020.
How to Attend
Stakeholders will be allowed three minutes for public comments. Details of the meeting including Agenda, previous meeting minutes, and review documents for each technology can be found at https://bit.ly/3iFeIdw.
Why Partner with GIRS?
The GIRS Payer Advocacy Compass PAC® team tracks and educates stakeholders including HTA organizations to ensure coverage and reimbursement of our client’s medical technologies. Please contact us at info@girsinc.com or avail of our Complimentary Review of your reimbursement needs at girsinc.com
Source: https://bit.ly/3iFeIdw
About GIRS
For more than 17 years, GIRS has been assisting medical technology manufacturers with their market uptake and reimbursement strategies so that patients can access care that they need. To implement successful market access strategies, the GIRS Value Discovery Landscape Assessments® team and the Payer Advocacy Compass® team work together to develop and implement foundation reimbursement landscape and payer advocacy strategies to obtain positive coverage, appropriate payment, and innovative payer contracting arrangements to improve market uptake. For more information, Email us at info@girsinc.com or call us at 901-834-9119