Belgium

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.

Belgian Health Care Knowledge Center (KCE) has issued report about organizational framework and evidence base for major trauma. Analysis is focused on Belgium, although organizational systems in England, Germany and the Netherlands were reviewed as well.

Belgian Health Care Knowledge Center issued information about ongoing and planned health technology assessments of medical technologies and IVD tests. They include external cardiac defibrillators, bariatric surgery, OncoType for breast cancer, peripheral drug eluting balloons and others.