Medical aids

The French High Authority for Health (HAS) regularly publishes new decisions about add-on reimbursement for medical devices. The decisions made in January 2020 concern various types of devices, mostly for cardiovascular and orthopaedic devices, and medial aids. A total of 29 decisions were made.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) regularly publishes new decisions about add-on reimbursement for medical devices. The decisions made in December 2019 concern various types of devices, mostly for cardiovascular devices. A total of five decisions were made.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) regularly publishes new decisions about add-on reimbursement for medical devices. The decisions made in November 2019 concern various types of devices, including orthopaedic, and cardiovascular devices. A total of twenty-four decisions were made.

In October 2019, the Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS) has released an assessment report regarding the evaluation strategies to prevent urinary tract infections associated with urethral/urinary catheters in critical patients in Intensive Care Units. The evidence is not conclusive, but there is scientific evidence that aims for the introduction of review measures for the indication of indwelling urethral/urinary catheters, its use in decubitus, and without kinking.

In Norway, the mini-HTA for intraepidermal nerve fiber density in skin biopsy was released in September 2019. The method was determined as efficient and safe. It was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital with a two-year follow-up to get enough data regarding the diagnostic volume and financial aspects.

On June 6, 2019, the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) has changed the Services Ordinance (OPre/KLV), which determines coverage of health care services in Switzerland. The changes regard mostly the reimbursement rules for various services. Furthermore, there are updates regarding the Health Insurance Law (LAMal/KVG), List of Analyses, List of Medical Aids and Equipment, and clinical coding.

In Norway, the mini-HTA for above cuff vocalization for patients, who are not able to speak due to tracheostomy, was released in June 2019. The method was determined as efficient, safe, and was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital with further monitoring.

In April 2019, the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare announced the update of the common package of benefits of the Spanish national health system with the inclusion of cervical cancer screening, nipple and areola micropigmentation and update of orthoprosthesis catalog.

At the end of April 2019, the network of European HTA agencies, EUnetHTA, published the “Custom-made or customizable 3D printed implants and cutting guides versus non-3D printed standard implants and cutting guides for improving outcome in patients undergoing knee, maxillofacial, or cranial surgery.”

In 2013, Norway established a framework “New Method” for the introduction of innovations into the health care system through either a national or hospital-based health technology assessment. In this framework, all innovations should undergo HTA before being funded. In April of 2019, the new mini-HTA regarding above cuff vocalization (ACV) was initiated by Oslo University Hospital. After completion of the assessment, hospital management will make a decision about funding of studied technology.

On February 19, 2019 the new “Catalog of Goods and Services” for the centralized purchasing platform was presented to the regional health authorities by the Minister of Health. This new catalog includes up to 25,000 items, including drugs and health products.

On February 5, 2019, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) decided that in case of suspected infection or fever of unknown origin, positron emission tomography (TEP) will be considered mandatory services. Also, percutaneous electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve (PTNS) was approved for incontinence indication. Furthermore, the reimbursement amounts relating to incontinence and ostomy materials will be reduced. List of Analyses was also updated.