In-vitro diagnostic tests

On May 13, 2025, the Common Package of Benefits of the Spanish National Health System (NHS) was amended. The med tech-related updates mostly concerned in-vitro diagnostics, gastrointestinal, e-Health, cardiovascular, ENT, ophthalmology, oral health, and neurology fields.

In April 2025, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) opened the application period for including medical procedures and in-vitro diagnostic tests in its 2026 evaluation working program. The application deadline is July 8, 2025.

On May 6, 2025, NHS England issued an updated version of the National Genomic Test Directory for 2025/26, which lists genomic tests commissioned by NHS England via Genomic Laboratory Hubs. One new code (test-indication combination) was introduced in the Test Directory for cancer, and one for rare and inherited diseases.

In March-April 2025, Health Technology Wales (HTW) accomplished one full appraisal of permanent implant brachytherapy devices for unresectable pancreatic cancer. Five Med Tech-related Topic Exploration Reports were published (on superior rectal artery embolization, glucose monitoring systems in neonates, gender-affirming surgery, telemetric intracranial pressure monitoring, tumor-profiling tests to guide bisphosphonate treatment in cancer).

On May 01, 2025, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) published the first release of the 2026 DRG package (RZ26a). Three new procedure codes, seven new supplementary payments (OZPs), one new diagnosis code, and two new DRGs will be implemented across in-vitro diagnostics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology and neurosurgery, cardiovascular and other technology groups.

In April 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released five Med Tech-related assessments in its HTA Journal, which concerned the evaluation of prognostic models of metastasis in colorectal cancer, assessment of e-Health platform for low back pain and the results of the “CONtact TrAcing in Care homes using digital Technology” trial. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS, and informs NICE guidance.

On April 14, 2025, the National Board of Health and Welfare was tasked to allocate 80 million SEK from the government to support Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) project in 2025. Funding will be distributed to several projects, including the development and/or implementation of innovative technologies such as whole genome sequencing based on long DNA reads, gene panels for sensitive detection of residual disease, and precision diagnostics (liquid biopsies for solid tumors, detection of antibiotic resistance).

On April 10, 2025, the Clinical Coding and Schedule Development (CCSD) working group, which develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclatures for private payers in England, published Bulletins 201 and 097 with changes to be implemented no later than June 11, 2025. Ten new procedure codes concerning men’s health, endoscopy, gynecology, orthopedic, and surgical procedures fields and seven new diagnostic codes were introduced.

In March 2025, Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare announced innovations awarded through Competition 26 Phase 3 for Urgent & Emergency Care, launched in July 2024. A total of £3.9 million was allocated for the development of nine innovations, of which eight were concerned with e-health and one with in-vitro diagnostics.

On April 4, 2025, NHS England published the final NHS Payment Scheme (NHSPS) for the 2025/26 financial year (starting on April 1st), defining payment mechanisms for the provision of NHS-funded hospital and ambulatory care and some public health services. No significant changes were made to the general payment model. The key changes include the introduction of reimbursement for activities from Community Diagnostic Centres and a new Best Practice Tariff to incentivize shifting suitable procedures from day case/hospital to outpatient settings.

In March 2025, the Draft Order amending the Common Package of Benefits of the National Health System and some other related legislative orders were released for public consultation. The Draft Order focuses on updating public health and primary care services, expanding neonatal and cancer screenings, improving equity in access to in-vitro fertilization, refining rehabilitation definitions, including patients in genetic advisory bodies, and modifying the system for ortho-prosthetic products.

In March 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released four Med Tech-related assessments in its HTA Journal, which concerned the results of the studies provided within the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS). HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs NICE guidance.