Norway

In October 2024, the Norwegian Directorate of Health released the Norwegian Clinical Procedure Coding (NKPK) system for 2025. A total of 15 new codes were introduced concerning cardiovascular, interventional radiology, neuromodulation, pulmonary, surgical procedures, and spine fields.

On September 23, 2024, the Norwegian Directorate of Health released an updated version of the Norwegian Laboratory Code (NLK) system. Sixty-nine new codes were added, and 209 codes were changed.

Molecular gene profile analysis (Oncotype DX) was evaluated within the "New Methods" framework starting in 2021. On August 26, 2024, the Decision Forum for "New Methods" recommended Oncotype DX to be introduced to predict the benefit of chemotherapy in postmenopausal patients with lymph node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HER2-) early-stage invasive breast cancer.

On June 26, 2024, the Norwegian Directorate of Health published its proposal to change the process of including new diseases in newborn screening. The key objective is making the process more dynamic, which requires regulatory and administrative amendments.

In June 2024, the following ongoing mini-HTA assessments for cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, e-health, endoscopy, gastrointestinal, in-vitro diagnostics, men’s health, neurology and neurosurgery, neuromodulation, peripheral vascular, pulmonary and airways, robotic surgery, and some other fields are evaluated as a part of a framework for the managed introduction of innovations "New Methods" in Norway.

On May 23, 2024, the Norwegian Directorate of Health released an updated version of the Norwegian Laboratory Code (NLK) system and associated tariffs to be implemented no later than July 1, 2024. Twenty-two new codes were added, and 49 codes were changed.

On March 23, 2024, the Norwegian Directorate of Health released an updated version of the Norwegian Laboratory Code (NLK) system and associated tariffs to be implemented no later than May 1, 2024. A total of 107 new codes were added, 92 codes were amended, and two codes were terminated.

In March 2024, several method assessments were initiated as a part of a framework for the managed introduction of innovations "New Methods" for cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, men’s health, neurology and neurosurgery, neuromodulation, obstetrics and gynecology, robotic surgery, and some other fields.

In March 2024, several ongoing mini-HTA assessments for diagnostic imaging, e-health, endoscopic procedures, IVD, neuromodulation, peripheral vascular, and some other fields are evaluated as a part of a framework for the managed introduction of innovations "New Methods in Norway.

In December 2023, the reimbursement scheme for outpatient pathology services was updated for 2024. This scheme has been gradually introduced in Norway since 2022. It comprises fee-for-service reimbursement by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) using Pathology Activity Codes (APAT). Fourteen new reimbursement codes were introduced.

On January 1, 2024, changes in the Norwegian central health administration announced by the government in May 2023 came into force. The Directorate of Health expanded its responsibility in digitalization, the development of health care services, and public health. The Directorate of e-Health discontinued to be an independent body and merged with the Directorate of Health.

In December 2023, the Norwegian Directorate of Health published a final version of the DRG system (Innsatsstyrt finansiering, ISF) for 2024. In general, no significant changes were introduced. No new DRGs will be added. One new Special Service Group (STG) for light treatment and five new Service Progress Groups (TFGs) concerning maternity care pathways and rehabilitation will be introduced.