Purpose of Technology

High-frequency chest wall compression (HFCWC) is a mechanical form of chest physical therapy (CPT) used as an alternative to conventional chest physical therapy in patients with impaired ability to clear pulmonary secretions. The purpose of HFCWC is to enhance and promote effective airway clearance and pulmonary function. It is hypothesized that HFCWC helps with mucociliary clearance by altering airflow patterns and reducing sputum viscosity.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Is HFCWC vest therapy effective in increasing clearance of respiratory secretions and improving lung function, and how does this technology compare with other methods of mobilizing respiratory secretions?
• Is HFCWC vest therapy safe?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for the use of HFCWC vest to enhance mobilization of respiratory secretions?

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 Friday, September 2nd, 2011 at 8:00 am.