On 6th of July, 2018, the European network for health technology assessment, EUnetHTA, has opened the public consultation on ‘Horizon Scanning, Topic Identification, Selection and Prioritisation for European Cooperation on HTA – Draft recommendations.’

Six new DRGs have been added for 2019, including proton therapy, insertion of functional implants in the urinary tract or male genitals and replacement of processor in cochleart implant.

An article “An early analysis of cost-utility of baroreflex activation therapy in advanced chronic heart failure in Germany” was published in the BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. The study concluded that Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) using the Barostim neo™ device (CVRx Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) compared with optimized medical management in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (NYHA class III) who were not eligible for treatment with cardiac resynchronization therapy, can be cost-effective from a statutory health insurance perspective in Germany over a lifetime horizon. The ICER was €27,951/QALY (95% CI €21,357–82,970).

In April 2018, a national HTA program has been launched in order to re-evaluate benefits presently covered by the mandatory health insurance.

On June 29th, 2018, the company that maintains DRG system in Switzerland, SwissDRG SA, has announced that The planning version of SwissDRG (version 8.0 (2017/2019)) and the planning version of TARPSY (version 2.0 (2017/2019)) have been published.

In mid-June 2018, the Spanish Network of Agencies for Assessing National Health System Technologies and Performance (REDETS) has published a report which analyzes transbronchial lung biopsy using cryoprobes in diffused lung diseases.

The Clinical Coding and Schedule Development Group develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclature for private payers in England. In June, new codes for genetic testing,including single gene tests and gene panel tests, next generation sequence and molecular profiling tests were added to the CCSD Schedule.

In April 2018, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) proposed an updated nomenclature in LPPR for foot orthosis and heel cup.

In late June 2018, the Andalusian Agency for Evaluation of Health Technologies, AETSA, has released a report on the efficacy and safety leadless pacemaker.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) published new set of decisions about add-on reimbursement for medical devices in June. They concern orthopedic devices and endobronchial valve.

The Clinical Coding and Schedule Development Group develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclature for private payers in England. In June, new codes for laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy, robotic assisted total knee replacement, abdominal (mesenteric) and limb angiogram were added to the CCSD Schedule.

Minister of Health announced that it is planned to re-equip 609 vascular surgery centers. In parallel, about 30 departments will be upgraded to the level of the regional vascular centers, which will increase their capacity. Ministry plans that these efforts will help to double number of primary coronary interventions in acute coronary syndrome in Russia.