Health technology assessment

New version 5.0 of the guidance “Allgemeine Methoden” provides basis for the scientific work of the Institute and its external experts. Multiple changes were made to existing sections, several new sections were added as well. Guidance provides brief overview of assessments performed in connection to benefit assessment for high class risk medical technologies, submitted for the innovation funding (NUB) for the first time.

Recently, CNEDiMTS at HAS issued positive recommendation for inclusion of HeartMate 3 ventricular assist device into add-on reimbursement catalogue (LPPR title III). No added value was established vs earlier version of device (HeartMate II), despite better safety profile demonstrated in the randomized controlled trial.

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.

French National Authority for Health (HAS) released new decisions about add-on and medical aid reimbursement of 8 medical devices from the meetings of the National Commission for Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS). They include coronary stents, portable oxygen concentrators, Urolift device, spinal ganglion stimulator and insulin pumps.

In last two weeks of June, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published one Medtech Innovation Briefing (RIDASCREEN tests for monitoring infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease), four new interventional procedures guidance for vaginal vault prolapse and uterine prolapse and one new diagnostics guidance for multiple frequency bioimpedance devices to guide fluid management in people with chronic kidney disease having dialysis.

KCE is working now on development of research program for 2018 and proposals for research topics can be submitted by filling in an online form until 6 September, 2017. Proposal can also be submitted by the industry.

Assessments were directed by national HTA body AGENAS. They cover renal denervation for hypertension, next generation sequencing in oncology, robotic surgery, sling operation for urinary incontinence and vertebral disc replacement.

An assessment was initiated earlier this year on the request from Dutch Hypertension Society and umbrella organization of 9 health insurance companies Zorgverzekeraars Nederland. The Institute will evaluate compliance of baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) for treatment of resistant hypertension with the state of science and practice.

The deadline for acceptance of applications for conditional reimbursement in 2019 by the Care Institute Netherlands (Zorginstituut Nederland) is 29th of June 2017. Conditional reimbursement for the period of up to 4 years can be available for promising technologies, which did not meet criteria for “state of science and practice” in the assessments of Zorginstituut Nederland.

In first two weeks of June National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published two Medtech Innovation Briefings (Neo Pedicle Screw System for spinal fusion surgery and device for securing cerebrospinal fluid drainage catheters) and updated two clinical guidelines for head injury and spondyloarthritis in adults.

In May 2017, CNEDiMTS at the National Authority for Health (HAS) issued positive assessment of Urolift for add-on reimbursement via LPPR list. Added value was found to be minor in comparison with transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). This assessment provides better results compared to the earlier one in January 2017. Add-on reimbursement might be established within about one year period.