Genetic tests

On October 9, 2024, the new version of the Nomenclature of Medical Biology Procedures (NABM 93) was released in France. Changes included the introduction of five new codes and wording modifications for several codes.

In September 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released three MedTech-related assessments in its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal, which concerned hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery in peritoneal metastases, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta in life-threatening torso hemorrhage, and clopidogrel resistance genotype testing. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

On September 6, 2024, the new version of the Nomenclature of Medical Biology Acts (NABM 92) was released in France. Various changes were implemented, including the introduction of one new code, modification of the coefficient B rating for a number of codes, and deletion of Article 4 "Minimum quotations" from the general provisions section of the NABM with 18 codes of this section.

In July 2024, NHS England issued an updated version of the 2024/25 National Genomic Test Directory, which lists genomic tests commissioned by NHS England via Genomic Laboratory Hubs. A total of 58 new codes (test-indication combinations) were introduced in the Test Directory for cancer, and ten new codes in the Test Directory for rare and inherited diseases.

In July 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Diagnostics Guidance (CYP2C19 genotype testing to guide clopidogrel use after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack) and one Technology Appraisal Guidance (Selective internal radiation therapy with QuiremSpheres for treating unresectable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma).

On June 26, 2024, the Norwegian Directorate of Health published its proposal to change the process of including new diseases in newborn screening. The key objective is making the process more dynamic, which requires regulatory and administrative amendments.

On June 19, 2024, the Order SND/606/2024, of June 13, came into force. This Order, among other things, creates the Advisory Committee for the Common Package of Benefits in the Area of Genetics.

On June 19, 2024, the Order SND/606/2024, of June 13, came into force. This Order, among other things, amends Annexes I, II, III, VI, and VII of Royal Decree 1030/2006, of September 15, which establishes the Common Package of Benefits of the National Health System and the procedure for its update. The changes mostly concern in-vitro diagnostics, ENT, pulmonary and airways, cardiovascular, and some other fields.

In March 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published two new Health Technology Evaluations using early value assessment (digital health technologies to help manage symptoms of psychosis and prevent relapse in adults and young people, and digital technologies for managing non-specific low back pain). Furthermore, three new clinical guidelines were published, four clinical guidelines, and two Health Technology Evaluations were updated.

On January 23, 2024, the Ministry of Health introduced a new national catalog, which guarantees the Spanish population's genetic tests nationwide. Currently, the catalog includes 672 tests in eight disease areas, including adult and pediatric oncohematology, pharmacogenomics, hereditary metabolic and mitochondrial diseases, and others. Twelve more disease areas are expected to be added in 2024.

In December 2023, the reimbursement scheme for outpatient pathology services was updated for 2024. This scheme has been gradually introduced in Norway since 2022. It comprises fee-for-service reimbursement by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) using Pathology Activity Codes (APAT). Fourteen new reimbursement codes were introduced.

On January 01, 2024, the Dutch Healthcare Institute (ZIN) published the updated list of medical procedures reimbursed under basic health insurance with restrictions or limitations. The procedures that were newly introduced to the list concern pulmonary, gynecology and ENT procedures, as well as genetic testing.