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Support
:: FAQ's
TreeAge Pro 2009 – Overview

TreeAge Pro 2009 (released 15-Jan-2009) is available to anyone with...

  • an active annual license.
  • a standard license (aka, "perpetual") with maintenance through 1/1/2009.

You can check your license/maintenance expiration date in TreeAge Pro, under Help > License Manager, or by logging in at the Support page.

To check availability of v2009 downloads from within an existing TreeAge Pro installation, go to Help > TreeAge on the Web > Check for Updates....


Contents

Additional Resources for TreeAge Pro 2009

New Features in TreeAge Pro 2009

TreeAge Pro 2009 includes the following new features...


Features Enhanced in TreeAge Pro 2009

TreeAge Pro 2009 enhances the following features...


Multivariate Normal Distribution

A new distribution type allows sampling from multiple correlated normal distributions. The correlated normal distributions are created within a single Multivariate Normal Distribution by providing a correlations / covariances via a TreeAge table. Samples can then be drawn from the individual correlated normal distributions contained within the Multivariate Normal Distribution.

For details on setting up and sampling from a Multivariate Normal Distribution,
refer to Tech Note #16. The Tech Note includes instructions and an example.


Insert Branch / Node Options

A new submenu offers more control over the operation of inserting a branch and node. It is now possible to: a) specify the type of node to be created in the specified direction; or b) to do an "in-place" insert, which creates a new node of the same type as the currently selected node and also works better at the root of a clone master or clone copy.


Cost-Effectiveness Acceptability Curve Frontier

This is a new cost-effectiveness Monte Carlo simulation graphing option. It shows varying "acceptability" of the possibly changing optimal strategy, as the CE threshold (e.g., willingness-to-pay/”WTP”, or weight on effect) is increased.

This feature requires the Healthcare Module (TreeAge Pro Healthcare or TreeAge Pro Suite).


Tree() Function Syntax

The Tree() syntax now allows visible "subsidiary" trees to be referenced in a master tree calculation and left "connected" to the last master tree node that called it. Enables debugging of a subsidiary tree via direct analysis commands (e.g., allows subsidiary tree to be rolled back based on variable definitions inherited from the calling master tree node/path). To help visualize the temporary connection, navigation is enabled from the root of the subsidiary tree back to the calling master node using the left arrow key, and the Variable Definitions window shows definitions that can be inherited from the currently connected master tree node/path.


Object Interface Enhancements

The TreeAgeProLib Object Interface has been enhanced to enable Sensitivity Analysis and to provide access to the Node Outline.

This feature requires the Excel Module (TreeAge Pro Excel or TreeAge Pro Suite).


TreeObj - Sensitivity Analysis

The TreeObj object now includes methods for One-Way and Two-Way Sensitivity Analysis. The new object methods are described in detail in the TreeAge Object Interface online documentation.


NodeObj - Outline

The NodeObj was enhanced to allow read-only access to a node’s Node Outline property, as demonstrated below.

  • Set nodeX = treeX.GetNodeObj
  • Debug.Print nodeX.outline(“”)
  • Debug.Print nodeX.outline(“<-”)
  • Debug.Print nodeX.outline(“r”)

In the first call, the outline text printed is the same as provided in the Node Outline pane of the TreeAge Pro window; the second prints only the text of a bound note at the node (if any); the third prints only the Markov state rewards (up to 9*3 expressions separated by “/”). The single parameter passed in the call should either be an empty string, or match one of the node outline syntax “keys” described in Chapter 21 of the user's manual.


Net Benefits vs. WTP

The Net Benefits vs. WTP cost-effectiveness Monte Carlo simulation graph has been updated to show threshold information. An option was added to convert the graph to a strategy graph display, which clearly identifies the optimal strategy for varying WTP.

This feature requires the Healthcare Module (TreeAge Pro Healthcare or TreeAge Pro Suite).


Two-Way C/E Sensitivity Analysis Isocontours

Under C/E calculations, the 2-way region graph has an option (via Cancel button in Net Benefits dialog) to calculate Costs and Effects separately, dividing visible regions based on cost only. If two strategies, users can then use the Graph Options to add isocontour lines to show ICER thresholds.

The new version corrects the problem of extra lines being drawn when "asymptotes" exist (i.e., intervals containing changes in dominance and points where ICER is negative infinity/undefined/positive infinity).

The new version also places thresholds more accurately and correctly draws negative ICER isocontours where dominance exists. Temporary Net Monetary Benefits calculations are used to locate thresholds.

This feature requires the Healthcare Module (TreeAge Pro Healthcare or TreeAge Pro Suite).