Norway

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.

In Norway, the mini-HTA for Tendyne Mitral Valve System designed for transapical implantation within the native mitral valve without the need for open-heart surgery and concomitant surgical removal of the failed native valve was released at the end of January 2020. The method was determined as efficient and safe. It was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital.

At the end of January 2020, the Decision Forum rejected Focal Impulse and Rotor Mapping ablation approach and workstation RhytmView for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and ex-situ perfusion platform for organ preservation after the brain death of the donor due to its insufficient efficacy evidence.

In Norway, the mini-HTA for Localizer™ wire-free guidance system designed to mark and guide to non-palpable breast lesions was released at the end of January 2020. The method was determined as efficient and safe. It was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital.

Norway established in 2013 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 January 2020, four new mini-HTA projects of medical technologies were launched in Norway: robotic-assisted procedures, ear reconstruction, continuous electroencephalography, among others.