DRG

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 This Consultation Grouper will be superseded by the 2022/23 Local Payment Grouper in March 2022, for use from April 01, 2022.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.

In late September 2021, the Austrian version of the DRG system (LKF) 2022 model with the relevant supplementary documents was published in Austria. The document "Changes and innovations in the 2022 LKF model" (Änderungen und Neuerungen in den LKF-Modellen 2022) summarizes the most significant changes and innovations in the LKF model for inpatient and outpatient care. The newly added procedure codes concern mainly the cardiovascular, E-Health, and gastrointestinal area.

On September 30, 2021, the 2020/21 National Tariff Payment System was published in England, and it came into effect on October 01, 2021. The publication has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On August 26, 2021, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) published the fourth release of the DRG package for the year 2021 (RZ21d).

Certain medical devices are financed within the DRG tariff but require explicit review to ensure that they are safe and effective. This mechanism is called “intra-DRG” (intra-GHS) coverage. On August 5, 2021, the new version of the intra-DRG list was published by the French Ministry of Solidarity and Health. No new devices were added to the list compared to the version of November 2020.

On July 30, 2021, the final version of the French DRG manual was published on the website of the Technical Agency for Information on Hospitalizations (ATIH). No new DRGs or other changes compared to the preliminary version published in March 2021 have been introduced.

In early July 2021, the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsdatastyrelsen) has opened the application period for 2023 DRG grouping logic changes. The deadline for the submission of the applications is January 6, 2022.