Purpose of Technology

Capsule endoscopy, also called wireless capsule endoscopy, is a procedure in which a swallowable, multivitamin-sized capsule containing a miniaturized video camera, light, transmitter, and batteries takes a video recording of the mucosal lining of the esophagus, small bowel, and/or colon as it moves through the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is intended to visualize signs of gastrointestinal disease.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• What is the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy for the detection of small bowel disease?
• How does the diagnostic yield compare with other standard and new methods of small bowel imaging?
• Is capsule endoscopy feasible in children younger than 10 years old?
• Is capsule endoscopy safe for pediatric patients?
• What are the patient selection criteria for capsule endoscopy and how does this method fit into the current standard of care?

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, September 27th, 2011 at 8:00 am.