Diagnostic imaging

In May 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Interventional Procedure Guidance (intramuscular diaphragm stimulation for ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure from high spinal cord injuries), two new Diagnostic Guidance (MRI fusion biopsy systems for diagnosing prostate cancer, automated ankle-brachial pressure index measurement devices to detect peripheral arterial disease), and three new Health Technology Evaluations (Digitally enabled therapies for adults with anxiety disorders / with depression, and point-of-care tests for urinary tract infections). Also, four clinical guidelines were updated.

In March 2023, Health Technology Wales published an Evidence Appraisal Report (EAR) and Guidance on photobiomodulation for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis. Furthermore, seven Medtech-related Topic Exploration Reports (TER) were published, including single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and AI-assisted ultrasound for deep vein thrombosis; however, Health Technology Wales will proceed with a full appraisal on one topic only - digital wound management tools.

In January-February 2023, Health Technology Wales published sixteen Medtech-related Topic Exploration Reports (TER), including stereotactic radiosurgery, percutaneous implantation of pulmonary artery pressure sensors, ambulatory patch ECG devices, and others; however, Health Technology Wales will not proceed with full appraisals on these topics. No Guidance was released for Medtech in January-February 2023.

On February 1, 2023, the Treatment Council made its first two recommendations based on the major analysis reports regarding handheld focused ultrasound in emergency medicine and artificial intelligence as decision support for colonoscopy. The adoption of these technologies was not recommended.

In February 2023, it was announced that fifty-seven new procedure codes were introduced by the Code Service of the Finnish National Health and Wellbeing Institution (THL). These codes are valid from January 2023. The introduced codes are dedicated to radiology, diagnostic imaging, gastrointestinal, interventional radiology, and some other fields.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, Health Technology Wales published three MedTech-related guidance (Left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with atrial fibrillation, continuous topical oxygen therapy, and virtual reality distraction therapy). Four Topic Exploration Reports were released as well (virtual wards, genetic testing for prostate cancer, autofluorescence imaging, and geniculate artery embolization); however, Health Technology Wales decided not to proceed with complete appraisals on these topics.

In the second half of October 2022, 47 new procedure codes were introduced by the Code Service of the Finnish National Health and Wellbeing Institution (THL). These codes became valid on November 1, 2022. The introduced codes are dedicated to diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, gastrointestinal, radiotherapy, pulmonary and airways, surgical procedures, and some other fields.

In July 2022, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) published seven new opinions which were based on health technology assessment reports. These are related to endoscopy, IVD tests, neuromodulation, and primary care settings. The main goal of these HTA reports was to spoort decision-making for the creation of new procedure codes in the Common Classification of Medical Procedures (CCAM) and the Nomenclature of Medical Biology Procedures (NABM).

In the second quarter of 2022, Health Technology Wales (HTW) published four MedTech-related guidance (extreme hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer, video laryngoscopes for use in pre-hospital care, electronic blood management systems, and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma). A total of 12 MedTech-related Topic Exploration Reports (TERs) were released in Q2. Based on the TERs conclusions, HTW decided to proceed with a full appraisal on three topics – photobiomodulation, topical oxygen therapy (NATROX) in chronic wounds, and video feedback interventions.

In the first half of July 2022, 13 new procedure codes were introduced by the Code Service of the Finnish National Health and Wellbeing Institution (THL). The introduced codes are dedicated to diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, radiology, and some other fields.

On May 31, 2022, it was announced by the Ministry of Health that the Council of Ministers authorized the distribution of almost €400 million for the renovation of high-tech equipment in the National Health System (SNS) through the High-End Technology Equipment Investment Plan (INVEAT) of the SNS.

On May 31, 2022, a decision of the National Union of Health Insurance Funds relating to the update of the Nomenclatures of procedures - Common classification of medical procedures (CCAM) and General nomenclature of professional acts (NGAP) - was published in the Official Journal of the French Republic. Various changes were introduced in the CCAM, such as the inclusion of new procedure codes, provisionally registered codes, and modification of the billing conditions. New CCAM codes were introduced in the field of ophthalmology, men’s health, and diagnostic imaging. These changes will be reflected in version 70 of the CCAM nomenclature, which will enter into force on June 30, 2022.