In August, MTRC launched two subscription services with a focus on all published, initiated or ongoing HTA and reimbursement reports and decisions for medical devices, procedures and IVD tests. HTA Alerts is a global service and covers 56 organizations from 24 countries. Reimbursement Alerts is focused on 14 key European countries. All alerts are tailed to the technologies of interest for each client. You can request a free-of-charge 2-month sample of reporting for both services

Nov 2021

Real-life monitoring of intra-DRG medical devices using UDI in France

Since October 2021, it is necessary to have the unique device identifier (UDI) of the various models and commercial references of the devices currently on the "intra-DRG" list in order to make it possible to collect and transmit the information relating to the use of these devices in health care establishments.

Nov 2021

The final version of the 2022 OPS procedure coding classification released in Germany

In late October 2021, the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) has published the final version of the 2022 OPS procedure coding classification. The OPS, together with the ICD-10-GM (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, German Modification), forms the basis for the reimbursement systems in outpatient and inpatient care.

Nov 2021

Russia is moving towards implementation of the ICD-11 classification of diseases before 2025

On October 15, 2021, the Government of the Russian Federation released the decree on the plan for implementation of the ICD-11 classification of disease during the period of 2021-2024. In order to perform the transition, the working committees under the supervision of the Ministries of the Russian Federation will be created. The final changes should enter into force before 2025.

Nov 2021

Three more health apps obtained reimbursement in Germany

In early October 2021, 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, 23 health apps are now available at the DiGA Directory.

Nov 2021

New procedure and diagnostic codes added to the private reimbursement schedule in England

In late September 2021, the Clinical Coding and Schedule Development (CCSD) working group, which develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclature for private payers in England, has published Bulletins 0179 and 0076 with changes to be implemented no later than January 01, 2022. Four new procedure codes related to gynecology, robotic surgery in the pulmonology area, and orthopedics, and four new diagnostic codes were introduced.

Nov 2021

Proton therapy in gastrointestinal indications will not be reimbursed in hospital settings in Germany

On September 16, 2021, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has decided that it would not evaluate the proton therapy in a number of indications, including esophageal cancer and inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Nov 2021

2022 Swedish NordDRG released by the National Board of Health and Welfare

In October 2021, the National Board of Health and Welfare released the Swedish version of the 2022 NordDRG. Six new DRGs were added, and they concern the cardiovascular area, vaccination, cochlear implants, and visits in primary care. Also, several changes in DRG content and logic were made.

Nov 2021

2021/22 National Genomic Test Directory released in England

In October 2021, NHS England issued an updated version of the National Genomic Test Directory for 2021/2022, which lists genomic tests commissioned by NHS England via Genomic Laboratory Hubs. Twenty new codes (test-indication combinations) were introduced in the cancer field, and 115 new codes were added for rare and inherited diseases.

Nov 2021

The revised EBM catalog came into force in Germany in October 2021

The revised EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) catalog came into force on October 1, 2021. The most significant changes concern mainly IVD tests: extension of the newborn screening, the introduction of microsatellite instability testing, amendments of Oncotype DX® test reimbursement, the introduction of screening for hepatitis B and C as part of health check-up, as well as changes in reimbursement of radiation therapy services.

Oct 2021

Bronchial thermoplasty for the treatment of severe refractory asthma received negative coverage decision in Norway

On September 27, 2021, the Decision Forum for "New Methods" decided not to introduce bronchial thermoplasty as a routine treatment of patients with severe asthma. The method should only be used within clinical trials.

Oct 2021

The reimbursement of the Oncotype DX® test will change in Germany

On September 15, 2021, the Evaluation Committee (Bewertungsausschuss) has decided to introduce in the EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) the new code for Oncotype DX® testing. This change is introduced in the updated EBM version, which was published on October 1, 2021.