Mini-HTA for intraepidermal nerve fiber density in skin biopsy released in Norway

Norway established in 2013 a framework for the introduction of innovations into the health care system through either a national or hospital-based health technology assessment. This framework is called the “New Method.”

In this framework, all innovations should undergo HTA before being funded. If the method concerns only one or two hospitals, the assessment shall be initiated by clinicians and ran at the hospital level. The final report is disseminated via a mini-HTA database. If the method is of national concern, it undergoes Single Technology Appraisal at the national level followed by the funding decision by the group of payers (Decision Forum, Beslutningsforum).

In September 2019, a completed mini-method assessment for intraepidermal nerve fiber density in skin biopsy was released. The following conclusions were provided:

• The good level of efficacy was shown by the method in comparison to Thermotest used for the measurement of the thermal perception thresholds. However, the objective is that methods do not replace, but complement each other
• The method was determined as safe
• The method should be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital
• The two-year follow-up is proposed to get enough data regarding the diagnostic volume and financial aspects.

See the full details in Norwegian here.

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