Health benefit assessment

In April 2023, the Dutch Healthcare Institute (Zorginstituut Nederland, ZIN) published the updated 2023 version of the assessment framework of the "state of science and practice" criteria, including the assessment framework itself, modules with additional explanations for its application, and other information material.

On January 20, 2022, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has initiated an evaluation procedure for early benefit assessment for the use of a stent retriever (pRELAX by femtos) to treat vasospasm of cerebral arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

In early-mid November 2021, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has initiated an evaluation procedure for early benefit assessment for two new cardiovascular technologies (Revivent TC™ by BioVentrix and Trilogy™ Heart Valve System by JenaValve Technology) in heart failure, and aortic valve insufficiency and stenosis, respectively.

At the request of the Minister for Medical Care, the Sensible Care program, launched in 2013 by the Dutch Healthcare Institute, is replaced by the Appropriate Care program in order to improve the organization of medical care and optimize health care costs in the Netherlands. The ongoing 29 projects under the Sensible Care program will continue in the context of the Appropriate Care program.

On August 11, 2021, the Dutch Healthcare Institute (ZIN) published the assessment of Oncotype DX®. The assessment was conducted to confirm whether the test complies with the criteria of "science and practice" to determine if it can be reimbursed under the basic health insurance package. In conclusion, the test can be reimbursed under the basic health insurance package.

As part of its routine method evaluation, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) charged the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) with a benefit assessment of the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) compared to conventional methods of wound management in the inpatient sector in Germany. Currently, no restrictions exist for the use of NPWT in hospital settings. Based on the new evaluation report, the G-BA will re-assess the reimbursement status in the statutory health insurance.