MTRC has analyzed timing of decision-making (negotiation about price, final ministerial decision and publication of the decision) after recommendation by CNEDiMTS about expected benefit (AS) and added clinical value (ASA) for invasive non-implantable medical devices reimbursed via LPPR list, title V. Since establishment of the title V program, 5 technologies were added to the List (stent retrievers for stroke; peripheral drug-coated balloons). Time from the recommendation by CNEDiMTS until the start of reimbursement varied from 7 to 13 months (9.4 months on average).

The Clinical Coding and Schedule Development Group develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclature for private payers in England. New diagnostic codes cover different indications and analytical methods.

Too little evidence was available to evaluate the efficacy and safety of liposuction for the treatment of lipedema in the inpatient sector in Germany. However, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) regards the method as a potential treatment alternative. It, therefore, plans a co-funded trial in cooperation with the manufacturer to create missing evidence with a start in 2018.

Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs engaged London School of Economics to undertake efficiency review of country’s social insurance system. Policy recommendations presented in the report include harmonisation of benefits (dentistry, non-medical services, medical aids and medical therapeutic devices), the introduction of an agency for quality assurance and modernisation of outpatient care.

Ministry of Health will close applications for proposals for inclusion of novel innovative tests into the List of Acts Outside Nomenclature in 2018 (Référentiel des actes Innovants Hors Nomenclatures, RIHN) 3rd of October 2017. RIHN provides early reimbursement for innovative tests, for which value is not yet validated to allow enlisting in the NABM Nomenclature.

On August 15th, the German Institute of Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI) published the preliminary version of the new procedure catalogue for the inpatient sector in Germany. The final version of the catalogue will come into effect with the start of the year 2018. MTRC will report about new procedures and other changes included in the catalogue after the release of the official version in the beginning of 2018.

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA) released results of a re-evaluation of percutaneous volume reduction of the intervertebral disk with a focus on chemolucleolysis. Based on current evidence, chemonucleolysis was recommended for inclusion into health benefit catalogue in Austria while percutaneous nucleotomy and percutaneous laser disc decompression were currently not recommended.

The Clinical Coding and Schedule Development Group develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclature for private payers in England. New codes were added for glaucoma surgery, myringoplasty and transforaminal epidural interventions.

CEO of the MTRC, Dr. Oleg Borisenko will be present at the 2nd Annual Medical Devices Sales and Marketing Conference, 28-29 of September in Cologne, Germany. Please, contact us at info@mtrconsult.com if you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs with reimbursement and market access in Europe.

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA) released results of re-evaluation of leadless pacemakers for right ventricular pacing. Due to lack of comparative evidence vs conventional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers were not recommended for inclusion into health benefit catalogue in Austria.

Joint Orders of Ministry of Industry and Trade and Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology issued a number of standards outlining technical requirements for organizing of state procurement of a number of medical devices, including ventricular assist devices, implantable neurostimulators, means of protection of medical personnel from radiation, and pacemakers.