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News and blog posts

26
Mar 2020

IQWiG defines five new topics for HTA reports in Germany

On March 13, 2020, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) announced that the new HTA reports would concern cystitis, heart disease in children, social isolation, as well as vitamin B12 / vitamin D deficiency in the elderly, and the Feldenkrais Method in treatment of mobility disorders.
25
Mar 2020

FoundationOne platform for non-small cell lung cancer assessed by Spanish AETSA

In February 2020, the Andalusian Health Technology Assessment Department published an assessment report on the evaluation of validity, clinical utility, and safety of the next-generation sequencing genomic platform FoundationOne® in non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumors. It was observed that it is necessary to carry out new studies to confirm the diagnostic results and the clinical usefulness of the test due to the low quality of existing evidence.
24
Mar 2020

NHSX Digital Health Technology Standard consultation open until April 22

NHSX is creating a Digital Health Technology Standard to enhance the way the NHS assesses digital technology for use by patients and staff. It is meant to help developers understand what is required of them, and simplify and streamline how health technologies are assessed and commissioned for use in the NHS. The consultation continues until 22 April 2020 Wednesday.
23
Mar 2020

MTRC has released the report on reimbursement landscape for health apps in Europe

A syndicated 105-page report includes information on the current administrative framework for health apps, current reimbursement framework, examples of reimbursed apps, the role of health technology assessment, upcoming changes in the reimbursement systems. The report includes analysis in five European countries: Belgium, England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
23
Mar 2020

Reimbursement for COVID-19 Detection Test in Belgium

Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) has issued an agreement document on March 17, 2020, providing principles for billing and funding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Detection Tests. Previously in Protocol for Hospitals on March 10, 2020, it was outlined that COVID-19 tests performed outside the National Reference Center for Respiratory Pathogens at UZ Leuven have no specific nomenclature codes, and no reimbursement was provided, therefore, was paid by patients. The new agreement clarifies principles for reimbursement, but the invoicing for the tests still on hold.
20
Mar 2020

Thermal laser or radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules assessed by Spanish HTA agency Avalia-T

At the beginning of 2020, the Galician Scientific and Technical Advice Unit released a health technology assessment on the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (TNs) by thermal laser or radiofrequency ablation that aimed to assess its safety and clinical effectiveness compared to standard treatment. The methods were considered safe and effective procedures for the treatment of benign, solid, and symptomatic TNs.
17
Mar 2020

Partnership between NICE and Health Technology Wales established

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Health Technology Wales (HTW) have formally committed to work together to enhance their independent and authoritative Guidance on non-medicine technologies. On March 3, 2020, it was announced about the collaboration of these two organizations.
16
Mar 2020

Spanish HTA agency Avalia-T assessed irreversible electroporation for liver and pancreatic cancer

At the beginning of 2020, the Galician Scientific and Technical Advice Unit released a health technology assessment on irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of liver and pancreatic cancer that aimed to analyze its safety, effectiveness, considerations for use, and the economic, organizational, social, ethical, or legal aspects. The efficacy evidence of IRE in achieving complete ablation is insufficient. Safety evidence is also insufficient as it is unclear whether IRE is safer as the standard treatment.