DRG

On April 1, 2022, the entity managing the DRG system in Switzerland, SwissDRG, announced that they will be accepting applications for changes in the DRG system from June 6, 2022, until July 17, 2022. The results of the DRG applications made in 2022 will be reflected in the 2024 version of SwissDRG.

On March 31, 2022, the updated intra-DRG list was published. It includes the modifications of registration conditions for several devices included in the list. No new devices were added to the list.

On April 8, DRG tariffs for 2022 were published in the Official Journal of the French Republic and on the website of the Agency for Technical Hospital Information.

On March 31, 2022, NHS Digital released HRG4+ Local Payment Grouper for 2022/23 for use from April 01, 2022. In general, there are significant changes in base HRG design. A total of 120 new HRGs were created, and multiple HRGs were removed, so the total number increased by 62 from 2,838 to 2,900.

On February 15, 2022, the preliminary version of the DRG manual for 2022 was published in France. Introduced changes (new DRGs, change of DRG logic) concern surgical procedures on the breast, interventions for malignant skin tumors, interventions of excision and grafting on the skin and subcutaneous tissue, spondyloplasties.

Since 2019, several low-cost and simple procedures in Belgium have been reimbursed not via individual INAMI fees but APR-DRG groups. This funding system is called “Low Variability Care”. On January 26, 2022, the list of APR-DRG groups and corresponding reimbursement amounts for 2022 was published.

Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) has issued a draft release of the DRG package for 2023, including a new procedure code for intermittent pneumatic compression therapy, a new diagnosis code for guidance in early pregnancy after a fertility program, and several new DRGs for pediatric palliative care, lymphovenous anastomosis surgery and light therapy in inflammatory dermatoses.

In early December 2021, the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsdatastyrelsen) has published DRG tariffs, as well as psychiatric and rehabilitation rates for 2022. Later on, in mid-December 2021, the DRG tariff system (Takstsystem) guide for 2022 was also published. Among other changes, seven new DRGs, specifically in ENT, endoscopy, obstetrics, and gynecology fields, were introduced.

On December 17, 2021, NHS Digital released HRG4+ Consultation Grouper for 2022/23. This release is used to support the NHS England and Improvement consultation process for the 2022/23 National Tariff Payment System. In general, there are significant changes in base HRG design. A total of 120 new HRGs were created, multiple HRGs were removed, and the grouping logic was updated significantly. This Consultation Grouper will be superseded by the 2022/23 Local Payment Grouper in March 2022, for use from April 01, 2022.

In late November – early December 2021, the application period for 2023 ICD-10-GM (German modification of ICD-10 diagnosis codes), OPS (procedure codes), and DRG changes was opened by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), and the Institute for Hospital Remuneration Systems (INeK), respectively.

In late November 2021, the INeK (Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System) has published the DRG catalog (Fallpauschalen-Katalog) with the list of DRGs and add-on reimbursement categories (ZEs) for 2022. Seven new DRGs and seventeen ZE categories were added to the catalog in 2022.

In October 2021, the National Board of Health and Welfare released the Swedish version of the 2022 NordDRG. Six new DRGs were added, and they concern the cardiovascular area, vaccination, cochlear implants, and visits in primary care. Also, several changes in DRG content and logic were made.