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News and blog posts

22
Nov 2021

2022 Swedish procedure coding classification (KVÅ) released

In November 2021, the National Board of Health and Welfare released an annual update of the Swedish procedure coding classification (Classification of Health Care Measures, KVÅ) that will come into force in January 2022. KVÅ includes two parts – medical procedures (KMÅ) and surgical procedures (KKÅ) divided into chapters based on anatomical principles. In 2022, six new surgical procedure codes will be introduced. Furthermore, structural changes will be made in Chapter V "Operations on the aorta, peripheral vessels, and lymphatic system," introducing two new sub-chapters with 318 new codes. A total of 53 new medical procedure codes (KMÅ) will be added.
18
Nov 2021

Med Tech-related technology assessments and clinical guidelines from NICE in October 2021

In October 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published three new Interventional Procedure Guidance (genicular artery embolization for pain from knee osteoarthritis, laparoscopic renal denervation for loin pain hematuria syndrome, percutaneous endovascular forearm arteriovenous fistula creation for hemodialysis access), and one new Medical Technologies Guidance (DyeVert Systems for reducing the risk of acute kidney injury in coronary and peripheral angiography). Also, two new clinical guidelines were published.
16
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.
15
Nov 2021

NHSX Adoption Fund awarded projects to improve digital pathways in England

In November 2021, NHSX announced projects to improve digital pathways awarded for funding from the newly created Adoption Fund. Funding opportunities will support Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) with initiatives to test out digital pathways across various specialty areas, including gastroenterology, musculoskeletal, and cardiology. A total of 35 applications were successful and will share funding of £6.5 million.
12
Nov 2021

Sensible Care program of the Dutch Healthcare Institute replaced by Appropriate Care program

At the request of the Minister for Medical Care, the Sensible Care program, launched in 2013 by the Dutch Healthcare Institute, is replaced by the Appropriate Care program in order to improve the organization of medical care and optimize health care costs in the Netherlands. The ongoing 29 projects under the Sensible Care program will continue in the context of the Appropriate Care program.
09
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.
08
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.