Genetic tests

In January 2023, the updated Pathology Activity Codes (APAT) of the Norwegian Pathology Code system (NORPAT) came into force. Since 2022, APAT codes have been included in the new reimbursement scheme by Helfo (the Norwegian Health Economics Administration) for outpatient pathology services. Five new classified sample materials for cytology and 22 new additional codes for the method of testing were added to the scheme in 2023.

The revised EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) catalog came into force on January 1, 2023. The most significant changes concern introducing the EBM codes for several IVD tests and further promoting outpatient (day case) surgical services.

On November 23, 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system and associated tariffs for state and private laboratories to be implemented no later than January 1, 2023. Eighty-six new codes were added, 207 codes were changed, and 27 codes were terminated.

On October 19, 2022, it was announced by the Ministry of Health that the 2023 General State Budget in the field of health would comprise €2,746.17 million, which is €199.32 million (7.83%) more than in 2022. The aim is to strengthen the National Health System (SNS) and achieve a more robust, more equitable, and more modern system capable of adapting to the population's health needs.

On March 16, 2022, NHS England launched a strategy for embedding genomics in the NHS over the next five years. The ambition is to accelerate the use of genomic medicine across the NHS, providing a world-leading, equitable service to populations and individuals.

The revised EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) catalog came into force on October 1, 2022. The most significant changes concern introducing the EBM codes for several IVD tests and a new service in artificial insemination.

NHS England is currently developing a Service Specification for NHS Clinical Genomic Services (NHS CGSs). On September 01, 2022, draft Service Specification and supporting documents were published for consultation. The deadline for comments submission is September 30, 2022.

On August 11, 2022, NHS England and NHS Improvement released an updated National Genomic Test Directory for rare and inherited diseases (version 3.1), which lists genomic tests commissioned by NHS England via Genomic Laboratory Hubs. No new codes (test-indication combinations) were introduced.

On August 11, 2022, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) announced that two new services in the in-vitro diagnostics field in lung and colon cancer, respectively, will be reimbursed via the German Uniform Evaluation Standard (EBM).

In July 2022, Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) announced the extension of temporary reimbursement for gene expression profile (GEP) testing for early-stage breast cancer detection until December 31, 2022, and for molecular biology tests by next-generation sequencing (NGS) until June 30, 2023.

The revised EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) catalog came into force on July 1, 2022. The most significant changes concern introducing and updating multiple EBM codes for IVD tests and adjusting tariffs and content of radiotherapy services.

In June 2022, NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) defined timelines for the evaluation of applications to update the National Genomic Test Directory in 2022/23. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Applications submitted before August 31, 2022, will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in the April 2023 update to the Test Directory