Screening

The test for severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID) is part of neonatal screening since July 1, 2019, in Germany. At the beginning of July 2019, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) has stated that health care should offer screening for the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) as approximately two or three children per each year can be diagnosed and treated for the fatal disease with the test available.

In April 2019, the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare announced the update of the common package of benefits of the Spanish national health system with the inclusion of cervical cancer screening, nipple and areola micropigmentation and update of orthoprosthesis catalog.

The colorectal cancer screening program became organized in Germany on April 19, 2019. Until now, only the breast cancer screening program was the only organized screening program. The Evaluation Committee has already updated the EBM catalog.

The 13 innovations joining the NHS Innovation Accelerator were announced on March 5, 2019, as part of an event to launch the fourth year of this award-winning national accelerator.

On the Interterritorial Council that took place March 4th, 2019, the Working Plan for the Spanish Network for Health Technology Assessment was agreed and published. The working plan includes 22 health technology assessment reports, 7 monitoring studies, 9 clinical practice guidelines, and 1 evidence-based product.

During November-December 2018, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has introduced an organized screening program for the early detection of cervical cancer and initiated consultation procedure for prostate cancer screening.

On February 5, 2019, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) decided that in case of suspected infection or fever of unknown origin, positron emission tomography (TEP) will be considered mandatory services. Also, percutaneous electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve (PTNS) was approved for incontinence indication. Furthermore, the reimbursement amounts relating to incontinence and ostomy materials will be reduced. List of Analyses was also updated.

Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) released changes in coverage of medical procedures, IVD tests and medical aids in Switzerland. They include extension of coverage for neonatal screening to severe congenital immunodeficiencies, extension of coverage under restrictions for TAVI, gene test for breast cancer, PET, PET / CT, local superficial hyperthermia during tumour treatment, external defibrillator and coverage for sub-urethral tapes for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. Also, changes in the coverage for neonatal screening were introduced.

In late December 2018, the European HTA agency, EUnetHTA, announced the ultimate project plan of the project OTCA19 - “Screening for osteoporosis in the general population.”

Danish National Board of Health has changed the procedure for how professional companies, organizations and healthcare organizations can propose new national screening programs. Proposals can be made only once a year – next time in February 2019.

New recommendations for cervical cancer screening will focus on how we ensure that all women have the opportunity to participate in screening and on the use of HPV tests.

In April of 2018, the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) has published a report “Screening for severe combined immune deficiency”, which contains recommendation and assessment basis for the national combined immunodeficiency screening program (SCID).