Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new minimally invasive method for the ablation of tumors. Currently, this method is not used in Norway. The conclusion of mini-HTA stated that IRE should be included as part of the routine clinical practice in the hospital.

German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) passed directives for co-funded trials to create evidence on two high-intensity focused ultrasound methods that showed potential benefit in the early benefit assessment process in relation to the innovation funding (NUB). Manufacturer refused to cover required contribution to trial costs and thereby risk exclusion of the methods from benefit catalogues in the German social health insurance.

At the beginning of August 2017, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) published a health technology assessment of systems for remote monitoring for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). The aim of this assessment was an update and clarification of arrangements for the provision of implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems (ICDS) to improve the quality of care for patients with ICD and to promote the deployment of effective solutions in the country.

Agreement on the national HTA programme for medical devices has been reached between the central and regional authorities during the last Assembly. The main player in this context will be the Cabina di Regia per l’HTA. The steering committee will produce policy recommendations about the use of the assessed technologies and monitor implementation by procurement organizations. Read about the scope of the framework in our blog post.

The Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) resumes assessments of methods that have been intermitted due to missing evidence: LDR brachytherapy in localized prostate carcinoma and PET or PET/CT for malignant lymphomas as well as for interim staging in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Studies conducted in the meantime are expected to provide sufficient evidence base for the assessment about the inclusion of the methods into the social health insurance benefit catalogue in Germany.

New procedure codes will be created for stem cell procedures, extracorporeal techniques (including hemodialysis and CO2 removal), surgical interventions, including growth-controlling spinal correction, transposition of peripheral nerve, interventions on veins, and percutaneous image-guided procedures (including code for pressure measurement in coronary arteries and additional code for drug-eluting balloon). Classification will be enabled from January 1, 2018.

On 25th of September, the Norwegian Decision Forum of “New Methods” had a meeting to review several medical technologies and IVD tests. Decisions were made in relation to the introduction of 2 new newborn screening tests, prehospital emergency thoracotomy, aortic valve replacement using sutureless stent Perceval, and digital breast tomosynthesis.

After successful trial application by the manufacturer (Okuvision) of a stimulation technology (Okustim), the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) decided on a trial guideline for a co-funded study defining the key points of the planned study, including type and time period of the study, target population and control intervention. Results from the trial will be evaluated and may lead to reimbursement of the method in both, the inpatient and outpatient sectors.

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.