Norway
07
Nov 2022
In October 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of Health published a preliminary version of the DRG system (Innsatsstyrt finansiering, ISF) for 2023. Eight new DRGs will be added in 2023.
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02
Nov 2022
In October 2022, Ordering Forum for New Methods framework in Norway invited interested parties regarding hand-held electrocardiogram (ECG) devices connected to an app for diagnosing atrial fibrillation in adults (e.g., KardiaMobile). Information shall be submitted no later than November 29, 2022. Ordering Forum will be held on December 12, 2022, to decide whether the method will undergo evaluation at the national level.
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28
Oct 2022
The “New Method” is currently developing criteria for which methods other than drugs shall be prioritized for assessment within the framework at the national or local levels. On October 04, 2022, the development status was reported to the Ministry of Health and Care with the proposal on how the existing criteria could be used together with the criteria of the regulatory work in HTA.
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21
Oct 2022
In October 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released the procedure coding system for 2023. A total of 54 new codes will be introduced from January 2023: 19 surgical procedure codes (NCSP) concerning neurology and neurosurgery, neurovascular, cardiovascular, eHealth, diagnostic imaging, pulmonary and airwaves, radiotherapy, nephrology, peripheral vascular, and surgical procedures, 17 radiology procedure codes (NCRP), and 18 medical procedure codes (NCMP).
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13
Oct 2022
On September 23, 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system and associated tariffs for state and private laboratories to be implemented no later than November 01, 2022. Twenty-three new codes were added, six codes were changed, and 126 codes were terminated.
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21
Sep 2022
In September 2022, Ordering Forum for New Methods has invited interested parties regarding electric field therapy (Optune, Tumor Treating Fields) alone or in combination with drugs for certain groups of glioblastoma patients, based on genome sequencing and biomarkers (indication II). Information should be submitted before November 8, 2022. Ordering Forum will be held on November 21, 2022, to decide whether the method will undergo evaluation at the national level.
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15
Sep 2022
On August 25, 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of Health announced the launch of the National screening program for colorectal cancer (Bowel screening program - Tarmscreeningprogrammet). All 55-year-old men and women will be included in the program and offered a test to identify invisible blood in the stool (fecal immunochemical test, FIT) every two years until the age of 65. Colonoscopy will be offered in case of positive FIT.
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01
Jul 2022
On May 31, 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released a draft National eHealth strategy 2023 - 2030 for the health and care sector and launched a consultation period. The deadline for comments submission is October 01, 2022.
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27
Jun 2022
On May 19, 2022, the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services commissioned the four regional health trusts to follow up on the evaluations conducted as a part of a framework for the managed introduction of innovations “New Methods”.
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21
Jun 2022
In late May 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system to be implemented no later than July 01, 2022, and associated tariffs for state and private laboratories to be implemented no later than June 01, 2022. NLK system is used for activity-based reimbursement by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) in outpatient settings.
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25
May 2022
On April 25, 2022, the Decision Forum for "New Method" recommended not to use the endobronchial valve (Zephyr) to reduce lung volume in severe emphysema treatment, as there was no evidence of the long-term effectiveness. The method can be used in the context of clinical studies.
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19
May 2022
On April 25, 2022, the Decision Forum for "New Method" did not prioritize any surgical procedure in the treatment of morbid obesity. Available evidence in the complete method assessment shows minor or no difference in weight loss, diabetes control, or health-related quality of life when using various surgical procedures. The comparative effect on the risk of early mortality, progression of obesity, and obesity-related comorbidities was not possible to determine. The cost differences are non-significant. Further research was recommended.
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