Health benefit package

The analyses were performed on the 2015 data from 16 Regions, on the basis of 35 indicators. According to the score assigned, Regions were classified as “compliant” (i.e., score ≥ 160 or between 140 and 160 with no critical values in any of the indicators) or “non-compliant” (i.e., score < 140 or between 140 and 160 with at least one critical value in one of the indicators). Overall results showed that the Country is split into two sections: Regions in the north were all compliant while those in the south, with the only exception of Basilicata, showed suboptimal performances.

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA) released results of a re-evaluation of percutaneous volume reduction of the intervertebral disk with a focus on chemolucleolysis. Based on current evidence, chemonucleolysis was recommended for inclusion into health benefit catalogue in Austria while percutaneous nucleotomy and percutaneous laser disc decompression were currently not recommended.

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA) released results of re-evaluation of leadless pacemakers for right ventricular pacing. Due to lack of comparative evidence vs conventional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers were not recommended for inclusion into health benefit catalogue in Austria.

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute HTA evaluated EST for GERD and found the current evidence insufficient to recommend its inclusion into health benefit catalogue. Reevaluation is recommended in 2022 when more evidence becomes available.

In 2017, PAE was evaluated by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute – Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA) to define whether evidence for this minimally invasive procedure can be sufficient for inclusion into benefit catalogue. Within this research work, evidence in relation to efficacy and safety of PAE was assessed in comparison to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy. Based on the results of literature review, LBI-HTA did not recommend PAE for inclusion into benefit catalogue in Austria. LBI-HTA recommended re-evaluating PAE procedure in the 2021 year when new potential evidence is available.

The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute – Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA) has published report with results of systematic literature review of application extracorporeal cytokine adsorption therapy (ECAT) for treatment and prevention of sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Considered evidence was assessed as insufficient to prove that ECAT is effective and safe procedure in patients with sepsis, septic shock and SIRS. Therefore, ECAT is currently not recommended for inclusion into the benefit catalogue.

The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute – Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA) has published results of systematic literature review of evidence in relation to efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for patients with metastatic spinal lesions. In conclusion, LBI-HTA recommended radiofrequency ablation of spinal metastatic lesions for inclusion in benefit catalogue with restrictions.

An assessment was initiated earlier this year. The Institute will evaluate compliance of dynamic fusion in lumbar spondylosis with the state of science and practice.

The Care Institute Netherlands (Zorginstituut Nederland) has released information that real-time continuous glucose monitoring is now included into the basic health insurance package for two additional groups of patients suffered from diabetes: women with diabetes who wish to become pregnant and patients with type 1 diabetes with repeated severe hypoglycemia.