Reimbursement

On May 25, 2022, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) published an updated List of reimbursable devices that came into force on June 01, 2022. A total of 12 new codes with the corresponding conditions of reimbursement were added to the List, which concerned sacral neurostimulation in fecal incontinence treatment, soft tissue markers, and osteosynthesis devices.

On May 09, 2022, the updated List of Reimbursable Products and Services (LPPR) was published. It contains new devices included in the LPPR list in April 2022, as well as other modifications made during this period. New devices that were introduced in the LPPR list belong to the endocrine and gastrointestinal technology groups.

In mid-May 2022, the Swiss Federal Office for Statistics announced that they will be accepting applications for changes in procedure code (CHOP) nomenclature from June 1, 2022, until September 18, 2022. The applications made in 2022 will be reflected in the 2024 version of the CHOP nomenclature.

The French National Authority for Health 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 in May 2022. Thirty-one 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. Opinions concern cardiovascular and peripheral vascular, diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, orthopedic, neurovascular and neuromodulation, endocrine and E-health devices, as well as medical aids.

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.