News and blog posts
18
Mar 2019
New material code for voice prosthesis was added to the List of reimbursable devices of the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) in March 2019.
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15
Mar 2019
In mid-February 2019, the Swiss conference of cantonal healthcare directors (GDK/CDS) has published information about allocation of hospitals for highly complex visceral surgery in the fields of oesophageal, pancreatic and hepatic resections.
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14
Mar 2019
Key changes in the Norwegian DRG system in 2019 include novel payment schemes for dialysis treatment, emergency conditions that occur as outpatient or day case, digital services. Pilot DRG payment models will be implemented for selected medical quality registers and selected procedures for contract specialists.
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13
Mar 2019
The French National Authority for Health (HAS) regularly publishes new (32 in total) decisions about add-on reimbursement for medical devices. The decisions made in February 2019 concern various types of devices, including multiple orthopedic, cardiovascular and other devices.
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12
Mar 2019
On February 19, 2019, the Nomenclature was updated. The update brought changes in chapter V and VI of Nomenclature, regarding the creation of new codes for laser destruction of congenital port-wine stains, hearing aids and cone beam computed tomography.
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11
Mar 2019
On February 5, 2019, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) decided that in case of suspected infection or fever of unknown origin, positron emission tomography (TEP) will be considered mandatory services. Also, percutaneous electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve (PTNS) was approved for incontinence indication. Furthermore, the reimbursement amounts relating to incontinence and ostomy materials will be reduced. List of Analyses was also updated.
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08
Mar 2019
In Finland, the Health Care Services Selection Council is responsible for making recommendations regarding the research, treatment and rehabilitation methods. Currently, PALKO is working on the only one assessment related to medical technologies - surgical treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. In final report, the Council would conclude whether the procedure is a part of publicly funded services or not.
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07
Mar 2019
In Norway, the mini-HTA for magnetic technology (Magseed) for breast lesions was released in February of 2018. The method was determined as efficient, safe and was recommended to be introduced as part of the clinical routine in the hospital.
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06
Mar 2019
More than 50 new DRGs were introduced in the Swedish system in 2019, while two have been deleted. The changes affected nursing care, psychiatry, hospital and day case services of different major disease categories. Important changes relate to cardiac ablation, placement of neurostimulator.
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05
Mar 2019
In mid-February 2019, the French High Authority for Health (HAS) has published the new guideline to clinical evaluation of connected medical devices in France.
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04
Mar 2019
In early 2019, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has published a health technology assessment report regarding the hyperbaric oxygen therapy for osteonecrosis. The results have shown that the efficacy and safety evidence of the procedure is too uncertain for now, and its economic evidence is also very limited. Further controlled, prospective studies are recommended.
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01
Mar 2019
Eleven new DRGs have been added in 2019, while three DRGs have been deleted. The significant changes have been made for disorders of the circulatory organs (MDC 5) and musculoskeletal, skeletal and connective tissue disorders associated with prosthetic surgery (MDC 8). They concern insertion of vagus stimulator, ablation of heart, percutaneous valve replacement, and others.
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