UK

On December 23, 2020, NHS England and NHS Improvement published the final document for updating the National Genomic Test Directory (Test Directory), as well as other documents supporting the application process for amendments. The deadline for applications submission for 2021/22 Test Directory is January 31, 2021.

In November 2020, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new interventional procedure guidance (for swallowable gastric balloon capsule for weight loss), five Medtech innovation briefings (for QuickChange Incontinence Wrap for urinary incontinence in men, Magseed for locating breast cancer lesions, Dexcom G6 for continuous glucose monitoring, and others). Also, one clinical guidance (for acute coronary syndromes) was updated.

In November 2020, the Clinical Coding and Schedule Development (CCSD) group, which develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclature for private payers in England, has published Bulletins 0173 and 0070 with changes to be implemented not later than February 01, 2021. Three new procedure codes were introduced, related to robotic laparoscopy in gynecology, brachytherapy in prostate tumor, and autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) for osteochondral defects of the knee. Also, four codes for diagnostic tests were added.

In November 2020, NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative published their plans for further introducing MedTech Funding Mandate after the COVID-19 outbreak. The MedTech Funding Mandate policy and the consultation outcome report are planning to be published this winter to support its launch in April 2021.

In November 2020, NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative updated the Rapid Uptake Products program for 2020/21. Three innovations from the 2019/20 program will continue through 2020/21, and four new products were added.

In November 2020, the Innovation and Technology Payment (ITP) program for 2020/21 was released by NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative. ITP 2020/21 builds on the Innovation and Technology Tariff (ITT) and ITP 2019/20; eight products will continue to be supported. Additionally, two digital technologies received continued support through the Evidence Generation Fund.

On November 18, 2020, the 2020/21 National Tariff Payment System was published and came into effect in England. The publication has been delayed due to the NHS response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On November 04, 2020, NHS England published an update of the Specialized Services Policy Pipeline (as of October 19, 2020). Four new Clinical Commissioning Policies were added to the work program, six new policies were published, and one policy was discontinued.

In September 2020, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new interventional procedure guidance (for transcranial magnetic stimulation for auditory hallucinations), one new medical technologies guidance (Axonics sacral neuromodulation system for treating refractory overactive bladder), one new diagnostic guidance (Implantable cardiac monitors to detect atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke) and four Medtech innovation briefings (for Novii Wireless Patch System, t:slim X2 insulin pump and others). Also, three clinical guidance documents were updated.

NHS England has opened a consultation on the proposed approach to updating the National Genomic Test Directory set out in the consultation document. The deadline for comments submission is November 17, 2020.

On October 09, 2020, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) launched a public consultation on proposals for changing how it selects the topics for medicines, medical devices, and diagnostics guidance development. The consultation closes on November 19, 2020.

On September 24, 2020, NHS England opened a consultation on clinical commissioning policy for the use of catheter ablation for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. Comments can be submitted until October 24, 2020.