News and blog posts
30
Mar 2020
On March 4, 2020, the List of Analyses (AL/EA) and the Services Ordinance (KLV/OPre) were updated in Switzerland. On April 1, 2020, the KLV/OPre, the AL/EA, and the List of Medical Aids (MiGel/EMAp) will be updated in Switzerland.
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27
Mar 2020
In March 2020, Swedish Skåne Region has released a report for the use of hydrogel spacer in radiotherapy of prostate cancer. Treatment with hydrogel spacer provides long-term improved quality of life, but the scientific base is limited. The scientific evidence base on the positive effect of the spacer in erectile function is insufficient.
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26
Mar 2020
On March 13, 2020, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) announced that the new HTA reports would concern cystitis, heart disease in children, social isolation, as well as vitamin B12 / vitamin D deficiency in the elderly, and the Feldenkrais Method in treatment of mobility disorders.
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25
Mar 2020
In February 2020, the Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Department published an assessment report on the evaluation of validity, clinical utility, and safety of the next-generation sequencing genomic platform FoundationOne® in non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumors. It was observed that it is necessary to carry out new studies to confirm the diagnostic results and the clinical usefulness of the test due to the low quality of existing evidence.
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24
Mar 2020
NHSX is creating a Digital Health Technology Standard to enhance the way the NHS assesses digital technology for use by patients and staff. It is meant to help developers understand what is required of them, and simplify and streamline how health technologies are assessed and commissioned for use in the NHS. The consultation continues until 22 April 2020 Wednesday.
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23
Mar 2020
A syndicated 105-page report includes information on the current administrative framework for health apps, current reimbursement framework, examples of reimbursed apps, the role of health technology assessment, upcoming changes in the reimbursement systems. The report includes analysis in five European countries: Belgium, England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
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23
Mar 2020
Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) has issued an agreement document on March 17, 2020, providing principles for billing and funding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Detection Tests. Previously in Protocol for Hospitals on March 10, 2020, it was outlined that COVID-19 tests performed outside the National Reference Center for Respiratory Pathogens at UZ Leuven have no specific nomenclature codes, and no reimbursement was provided, therefore, was paid by patients. The new agreement clarifies principles for reimbursement, but the invoicing for the tests still on hold.
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20
Mar 2020
At the beginning of 2020, the Galician Scientific and Technical Advice Unit released a health technology assessment on the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (TNs) by thermal laser or radiofrequency ablation that aimed to assess its safety and clinical effectiveness compared to standard treatment. The methods were considered safe and effective procedures for the treatment of benign, solid, and symptomatic TNs.
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19
Mar 2020
On February 12, 2020, it was announced that the Swiss Federal Council is planning to modify the Health Insurance Ordinance (OAMal / KVV) with the goal of enhancing hospital planning, and unification of the inpatient tariffs throughout the country.
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18
Mar 2020
On March 3, 2020, the Reimbursement Commission made major updates to the SUT. The main changes relate to the increase in reimbursement fees of procedures (reimbursement fees increased depending on the type from 10% to 30%).
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17
Mar 2020
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Health Technology Wales (HTW) have formally committed to work together to enhance their independent and authoritative Guidance on non-medicine technologies. On March 3, 2020, it was announced about the collaboration of these two organizations.
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16
Mar 2020
At the beginning of 2020, the Galician Scientific and Technical Advice Unit released a health technology assessment on irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of liver and pancreatic cancer that aimed to analyze its safety, effectiveness, considerations for use, and the economic, organizational, social, ethical, or legal aspects. The efficacy evidence of IRE in achieving complete ablation is insufficient. Safety evidence is also insufficient as it is unclear whether IRE is safer as the standard treatment.
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