Reimbursement

On April 28, 2022, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) published the first release of the DRG package for 2023 (RZ23a). Nine new DRGs for carotid endarterectomy and aortic surgery with or without neuromonitoring and five supplementary payments for remote monitoring in cardiovascular diseases will be implemented.

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 28, 2022, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) published the first release of the DRG package for 2023 (RZ23a). Ten new procedure codes, thirteen new supplementary payments, and nine new DRGs will be implemented.

In April 2022, NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) announced that the timelines for the evaluation of applications to update the National Genomic Test Directory in 2022/23 are currently under review. Previously, NHSEI planned to publish and implement the 2022/23 Test Directory by April 2022. While the timelines are not confirmed, applications can still be submitted.

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 April 21, 2022, NHS England and NHS Improvement updated the 2021/22 National Genomic Test Directory (version 3), which lists genomic tests commissioned by NHS England via Genomic Laboratory Hubs. Forty-two new codes (test-indication combinations) were introduced in the cancer field, and fourteen for rare and inherited diseases.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) released new recommendations about add-on reimbursement of medical devices and medical aids from the meetings of the National Commission for Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS) in April 2022. Thirty recommendations were published in relation to the registration, modification of registration conditions, and renewal of registration for devices in the List of reimbursable products and services (LPPR). Opinions concern cardiovascular and peripheral vascular, orthopedic, neurovascular, and neuromodulation and other devices, as well as medical aids.

In April 2022, the Clinical Coding and Schedule Development (CCSD) working group, which develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclatures for private payers in England, published Bulletins 0183 and 0080 with changes to be implemented no later than June 14, 2022. Eleven new procedure codes and nine new diagnostic codes were introduced.

MoveUP is the first digital health app that has reached the level 3 level on the Mhealth validation pyramid. This means that the app is now reimbursed in Belgium.

On April 1, 2022, the entity managing the DRG system in Switzerland, SwissDRG, announced that they will be accepting applications for changes in the DRG system from June 6, 2022, until July 17, 2022. The results of the DRG applications made in 2022 will be reflected in the 2024 version of SwissDRG.

In March and April 2022, three more health apps were introduced in the Directory of digital health applications (DiGAs) at the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and thus became reimbursable. These apps can be prescribed by physicians and psychotherapists and will be reimbursed by health insurers. In total, thirty-three health apps are now available at the DiGA Directory.

On March 31, 2022, the updated intra-DRG list was published. It includes the modifications of registration conditions for several devices included in the list. No new devices were added to the list.