Denmark

In May 2025, the Danish Health Authority proposed three key initiatives in the health reform that will future-proof the healthcare system, including the National Health Plan, the Task description for general practice services, and the Package pathway for people with chronic diseases. The Danish Health Authority expects to hand over the first assignments in the autumn of 2025. The new structure of the healthcare system is expected to come into force on January 1, 2027.

The Danish Health Data Authority quarterly updates the Health Care Classification System (SKS). The latest version was published in mid-March 2025 to come into force on April 1, 2025. Among other changes, fifty-one new procedure codes were introduced concerning cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, dermatology, gastrointestinal, nephrology and urology, nuclear medicine, orthopedics, peripheral vascular, pulmonary and airways, surgical procedures, robotic surgery, and some other fields.

In late January 2025, the Nordic Initiative for Environmental Labelling of Medical Supplies (NIELS) project was completed. The initiative was aimed to promote greener procurement of medical equipment by expanding the use of eco-labeling. Following its successful conclusion, the project is now considering opportunities to broaden the dialogue to a European level.

In February 2025, the Danish Health Data Authority opened the application period for changes to the 2027 DRG logic, including the creation of new DRG codes and modifications to the grouping logic for existing DRGs. The application deadline is October 31, 2025.

In February 2025, the Board of Danish Regions meeting was held. The key themes discussed concerned prioritizing public wellbeing and environmental sustainability, expanding cancer treatment capacity and funding, and the status of the Common Regional Procurement Strategy 2020-2025 (including “green” procurement).

On January 1, 2025, an amended Executive Order on Medical Devices entered into force, which makes it possible to send single-use medical devices for reprocessing and further reuse. At the same time, it ensures that the reprocessed devices are safe and effective to use on an equal footing with the original CE-marked devices.

Since January 1, 2025, the Danish Healthcare Quality Institute has been established, replacing the Health Technology Council and the Regions' Clinical Quality Development Program. The Institute comprises three overall focus areas that contribute to patients receiving high and uniform quality treatment across the country and the best possible health for the money.

The Danish Health Data Authority quarterly updates the Health Care Classification System (SKS). The latest version was published in mid-December 2024 to come into force on January 1, 2025. Among other changes, thirty-two new procedure codes were introduced concerning diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, ENT, gastrointestinal, in-vitro diagnostics, neurology and neurosurgery, neuromodulation, surgical procedures, mental health, and some other fields.

In December 2024, the Danish Board for Health Apps published information on how to apply for the health app evaluation, including the electronic form for the application to the Board of Health Apps, the assessment criteria, and details of the application process.

On November 22, 2024, the Danish Health Authority announced that it would change its organizational structure. This restructuring is expected to prepare the Danish Health Authority for Health Care Reform work and set a new framework for the work with public health. The organizational changes will take effect on January 1, 2025.

On November 6, 2024, the first meeting of the Board for Health Apps was held in Denmark. As soon as the Board determines the criteria according to which it will assess health apps, it will be possible to apply for assessment followed by recommendations

On November 12, 2024, the Danish Health Data Authority published the DRG tariffs for 2025. In accordance with the released documentation, four new DRGs in the fields of radiology, dermatology, and the treatment of functional disorders will be introduced in 2025.