Purpose of Technology

Autologous platelet concentrate (APC) and autologous platelet gel (APG), also known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or “buffy coat”, are harvested from a patient’s own blood. For tendon and ligament injuries, PRP is injected or implanted during surgery with the goal of accelerating healing of the damaged tendon or ligament.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Does PRP improve or accelerate healing in patients who are undergoing surgery or physical therapy for tendon and ligament injuries?
• Is injection of PRP safe and what are the risks associated with its use?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for the use of PRP for the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 at 12:00 pm.