The revised EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) catalog came into force on January 1, 2023. The most significant changes concern introducing the EBM codes for several IVD tests and further promoting outpatient (day case) surgical services.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) released new recommendations about add-on reimbursement of medical devices and medical aids from the meetings of the National Commission for Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS) in December 2022. Nine recommendations were published in relation to the registration, modification of registration conditions, and renewal of registration for devices in the List of reimbursable products and services (LPPR). Opinions concern the device used for neuromodulation, the device for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, orthopedic devices, as well as medical aids.

In December 2022, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Medical Technologies Guidance (Memokath 051 Ureter stent for ureteric obstruction) and one MedTech Innovation Briefing (PromarkerD). Also, two new clinical guidelines were published, and one was updated.

On December 19, 2022, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) issued a draft release of the DRG package for 2024, including new procedure codes, new diagnosis codes, and several new DRGs. These changes concern pulmonary, gynecology, ENT, orthopedics, and other technology groups.

On December 17, 2022, the Ministry of Health and Prevention published an Order in the Official Journal of the French Republic on the transitional coverage for the renal denervation catheter SYMPLICITY SPYRAL.

In December 2022, the Clinical Coding and Schedule Development (CCSD) working group, which develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclatures for private payers in England, published Bulletin 187 with changes to be implemented in procedural classification no later than February 8, 2023. Five new procedure codes were introduced concerning orthopedic, surgical procedures, and men’s health. No changes were made to the diagnostic schedule.

On December 16, 2022, a decision of the National Union of Health Insurance Funds (UNCAM) relating to the update of the NABM Nomenclature for IVD tests was published in the Official Journal of the French Republic. Various changes were introduced, including the inclusion of new codes, modifications of the existing ones, and tariff changes.

On December 19, 2022, NHS Digital released HRG4+ Consultation Grouper for 2023/24 to support NHS England’s consultation process for the 2023/25 NHS Payment Scheme. There are no new HRGs or other significant changes in the 2023/24 Consultation Grouper. Local Payment Grouper will supersede Consultation Grouper in March 2023 for use from April 1, 2023.

In the second half of December 2022, the Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment (OSTEBA) released a report aiming to evaluate mitral valve repair surgery as an alternative to mitral valve replacement.

We are looking for experienced health economists and systematic reviewers with a proven track record of publishing results of health economic analysis or systematic literature reviews to work with our team during the high-demand periods on a project-based (freelance) basis.

The Belgian healthcare system is gradually moving from a disease-management approach to a more person-centered integrated care approach. On December 19, 2022, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) announced the extension of funding for integrated care pilot projects for the next two years. These projects are carried out in the context of a new inter-federal plan for integrated care.

On December 19, 2022, the Dutch Healthcare Institute (ZIN) published the updated list of medical procedures reimbursed under basic health insurance with restrictions or limitations. The procedures that were newly introduced to the list concern gynecological and surgical procedures, as well as interventional radiology.