Norway

In December 2020, the Norwegian Directorate of Health published a final version of the DRG system (Innsatsstyrt finansiering, ISF) for 2021. The new DRGs cover the endocrine procedures, diabetes, and physical exercise therapy areas.

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 the second half of 2020, eight new mini-HTA projects of medical technologies were launched in Norway: tissue allotransplantation, pain treatment via neuromodulation, among others.

In late November 2020, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system and associated tariffs that will be implemented not later than January 01, 2021. A total of 25 new codes were added in this version of NLK, 201 codes have been changed, and eight codes were inactivated. Six new codes for SARS-related coronavirus antigen and six new codes for SARS-CoV-2 antigen have been established.

The ultimate step in establishing reimbursement is achieved by making reimbursement applications to authorities. MTRC provides support with the development of reimbursement applications for a novel procedure code, change of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) and establishing other payment mechanisms in the Nordic region and Russia.

In October 2020, a mini-HTA report was published on “Early method evaluation” (Tidlig metodevurdering). The report proposes a novel type of “early method evaluation” to complement existing national and mini-HTA frameworks in Norway. This new assessment type can be performed before classical HTA. Early Method Evaluation can be used locally at department or hospital levels when new technology/innovation is tested to analyze the impact on patient, staff, finances before reliable evidence from clinical studies became available.

In early November 2020, the final version of the procedure coding system for 2021 was issued by the Norwegian Directorate for e-Health. Two new surgical procedure codes for laparoscopy and 17 for orthopedic procedures, two new radiology procedure codes, and nine new medical procedure codes were introduced.

In October 2020, a completed mini-method assessment for the coronary sinus reducer stent (Neovasc) implantation in refractory angina pectoris treatment was published within the New Methods framework. The Oslo University Hospital carried out the evaluation. The technology was recommended for routine use in hospitals.

At the information meeting on October 13, 2020, Norwegian Directorate for e-Health presented planned changes in the coding system (NCSP-NCMP-NCRP) for 2021. Two new surgical procedure codes for laparoscopy, two new radiology procedure codes, and nine new medical procedure codes are proposed.

On October 13, 2020, the Norwegian Directorate of Health published a preliminary version of the DRG system (ISF) for 2021. Four new DRGs were introduced.

On August 31, 2020, Decision Forum decided not to introduce blood-based tests in pregnant women with suspected pre-eclampsia that was evaluated within the New Method framework since 2018

In September 2020, a completed mini-method assessment for the MitraClip for percutaneous mitral valve repair was issued within the New Methods framework. The Oslo University Hospital carried out the evaluation. The method was recommended for routine use in hospitals.

MTRC has summarized the most important DRG changes in Norway, which came in force in 2020. This includes five new DRGs, one deleted DRG, changes in the titles of four DRGs and other changes.