Switzerland

The report includes an overview of funding framework and all (as of May 2019) decisions from ultimate payers and decisions makers in England (NHS England, one CCG), Germany (G-BA), Netherlands (Zorginstituut Nederland), Norway (“New Methods” framework) and Switzerland (Federal Office of Public Health). More than 1000 decisions are included.

The Swiss innovation agency, InnoSuisse, reminds that the deadline for the application for financing of truly innovative projects is May 20, 2019. The Swiss Federal Council has ensured additional funding of CHF 24 million for 2019 and 2020 for the “Impulse digitalization programme.”

On March 15, 2019, the Swiss Medical Board published two appraisal reports: “Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery for radical prostatectomy” and “Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for simple or radical hysterectomy.”

In February 2019, the entity that is in charge of the DRG system in Switzerland, SwissDRG, announced the publication dates of the SwissDRG 9.0/2020 catalog, but also information that concerns the suggestions regarding SwissDRG.

In mid-February 2019, the Swiss conference of cantonal healthcare directors (GDK/CDS) has published information about allocation of hospitals for highly complex visceral surgery in the fields of oesophageal, pancreatic and hepatic resections.

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.

Curafutura, an association of health insurance companies in Switzerland, started the initiative to change the current outpatient pricing structure (TARMED) in 2016. In late 2018, they let the public know that the new tariff structure for ambulatory medical benefits is almost ready to be submitted to the Federal Council.

The Federal Statistics Office has published, in late December 2018, the changes regarding procedure coding that would come into force in January 2019. The changes concern CAR-T cell therapy and intervertebral arthrodesis devices, among other treatment methods. Besides the changes implemented, the list of all requested changes in 2018 was published.

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.

On December 14, 2018, the Center of Competence and Coordination of Confederation and Cantons, Swiss eHealth, has published version 2.0 of the Swiss eHealth strategy. This version replaces the 2007 version and will be applied until 2022. With the "Swiss eHealth Strategy 2.0", the Confederation and the cantons intend to enhance the promotion of digitalization in the healthcare sector, whose priority is the introduction and dissemination of the patient's digital record.

On November 30, 2018, the DRG-regulating body in Switzerland, SwissDRG, has notified the public that the tariff version of SwissDRG 8.0/2019 has been published.

On November 15, 2018, the Swiss Federal Statistics Office (UFS) has notified the public that the CHOP version 2019 and ICD-10-GM version 2018 were published.