Norway

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

On March 23, 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system (Norsk laboratoriekodeverk 7280.62) to be implemented no later than May 01, 2022. Thirty-two codes were added, 91 codes have been changed, and one code has been terminated. NLK system has been used for activity-based reimbursement by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) in outpatient settings since 2018.

On March 18, 2022, the Norwegian National Institute of Public Health released an HTA report on the evaluation of surgical procedures for obesity treatment. The authors concluded that it is uncertain whether there is any difference in the risk of early mortality and the effect on weight status between different types of surgical procedures for the treatment of obesity.

On January 24, 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 March 01, 2022. NLK system has been used for activity-based reimbursement by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) in outpatient settings since 2018. Thirty new codes were added medical biochemistry, medical microbiology, immunology and transfusiology, and clinical pharmacology areas.

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 January 17, 2022, the project status was presented at the Ordering Forum for "New Method." It was reported that the project would require more resources and time than initially thought.

On November 23, 2021, 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 January 01, 2021. NLK system has been used for activity-based reimbursement by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) in outpatient settings since 2018. Thirty new codes were added in medical biochemistry, immunology and transfusiology, and clinical pharmacology areas.