Belgium

New material codes for spinal distraction system and platinum surgical sealant for contact with lung tissue were added to the List of reimbursable devices of the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) in August. Codes for application of intramedullary nails were changed and conditions of reimbursement for valvulotomy and percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage were amended.

New material codes for neurovascular self-expanding stent retrievers for clot removal (mechanical thrombectomy for stroke) and foam preparation for hysterosalpingosonography were added to the List of reimbursable devices of the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) in July.

Changes will be made in eleven chapters of Nomenclature. In relation to medical technologies and in-vitro diagnostics, the most important changes include changes in conditions for Stomatology, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine codes, introduction of new codes for IVD tests, including diagnostics of tuberculosis and screening for EGFR mutation.

The NIP test is a non-invasive prenatal test aimed at detecting Down's syndrome in fetus. This test is a screening performed using mother's blood sample from the 12th week of pregnancy. From 1 July 2017, non-invasive prenatal test will be reimbursed for all pregnant women.

KCE is working now on development of research program for 2018 and proposals for research topics can be submitted by filling in an online form until 6 September, 2017. Proposal can also be submitted by the industry.

Belgian Health Care Knowledge Center has released new clinical guidelines for evaluation and management of low back pain without serious underlying cause and radicular pain (including neurogenic claudication). It has number of implications for medical procedures, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, radiofrequency denervation, disk replacement, spine fusion and other.

Guidelines focused on treatment for recurrent and metastatic cancer, neoadjuvant treatment and the most optimal diagnostic strategy.

Changes will be made in nine chapters of Nomenclature. In relation to medical technologies and in-vitro diagnostics, the most important changes include changes in conditions for two ophthalmology and endoscopy codes, new conditions for reimbursement of photodynamic therapy in dermatology, introduction of two new codes for IVDs, and creating of requirements for reimbursement of number of IVD tests in pregnancy.

From November 1, 2017, patients practicing urinary self-drilling at home will enjoy better reimbursement conditions.

A group of researchers from Belgium Health Care Knowledge Center (KCE) published an article about current state and development of organization and financing of urgent care in Belgium, including emergency departments, GP offices and telephone support.

KCE issued a report, in which it reviewed provision of day surgery in Belgium, incentives for provision of day surgery in France and England and developed recommendations for incentive policy for day surgery in Belgium to policy-makers.

In Belgium, number of procedures and devices can only be reimbursed for the hospitals, that meet certain requirements. INAMI has released a new lists of hospitals eligible for reimbursement for a number of procedures and devices in cardiovascular, neuromodulation, urology and orthopedics areas.