Skip to main content

News and blog posts

02
Sep 2021

Report on assessment of surgical procedures for the treatment of obesity released by EUnetHTA

At the beginning of August 2021, the European Network for Health Technology Assessment, EUnetHTA, released a final report on the surgical procedures for the treatment of obesity. The results suggest little or no difference in the effects of different bariatric surgery procedures on weight loss and diabetes control. However, the results are based mainly on low to very low certainty evidence, with few or even single studies providing data for many of the comparisons.
31
Aug 2021

The preliminary version of the 2022 procedure coding (OPS) system released in Germany

On August 16, 2021, the preliminary version of OPS 2022 was published. Numerous content updates and new procedure codes concern chapters 5 “Operations” and 8 “Non-operative therapeutic measures”. Also, minor changes were made in chapters 1, “Diagnostic measures” and 3, “Diagnostic imaging”.New codes were introduced in the peripheral vascular, cardiovascular, nephrology and urology, endoscopy, gastroenterology, otorhinolaryngology, interventional radiology, orthopedics, pulmonary and airways, and other fields of care.
30
Aug 2021

New version of the intra-DRG list published in France

Certain medical devices are financed within the DRG tariff but require explicit review to ensure that they are safe and effective. This mechanism is called “intra-DRG” (intra-GHS) coverage. On August 5, 2021, the new version of the intra-DRG list was published by the French Ministry of Solidarity and Health. No new devices were added to the list compared to the version of November 2020.
27
Aug 2021

Genetic test Oncotype DX® in early-stage breast cancer will be covered under basic health insurance in the Netherlands

On August 11, 2021, the Dutch Healthcare Institute (ZIN) published the assessment of Oncotype DX®. The assessment was conducted to confirm whether the test complies with the criteria of "science and practice" to determine if it can be reimbursed under the basic health insurance package. In conclusion, the test can be reimbursed under the basic health insurance package.
26
Aug 2021

UK Government published its Life Sciences Vision

In July 2021, the UK Government released its Life Sciences Vision, which sets out a 10-year strategy for the Life Sciences sector to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and some of our generation's most pressing healthcare challenges, such as cancer, obesity, dementia. This Vision is a high-level document that does not set out the specific programs. The Government will set out its detailed delivery plan later, and the Sector will have the opportunity to decide where it wishes to co-invest.
25
Aug 2021

New experiments under Article 51 of the Social Security Financing Act in France

The French Ministry of Solidarity and Health constantly announces the new experiments initiated under Article 51 of the Social Security Financing Act. These experiments are focused on various topics concerning medical technologies and the organization of care. At the end of July, three new experiments related to the system of care for people with disabilities, families with overweight children, and homeless drug users were announced.
24
Aug 2021

New standards of medical care and clinical guidelines published in Russia in July 2021

In July 2021, 31 clinical guidelines were released in Russia: irritable bowel syndrome, rectal prolapse, chronic kidney disease, and others. Furthermore, the orders on the approval of the several standards of medical care entered into force, including standards for the provision of medical care for adults with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, hemorrhoids, and anal fistula.
20
Aug 2021

Final 2021 DRG manual published in France

On July 30, 2021, the final version of the French DRG manual was published on the website of the Technical Agency for Information on Hospitalizations (ATIH). No new DRGs or other changes compared to the preliminary version published in March 2021 have been introduced.
19
Aug 2021

Endobronchial valves for persistent air leakage added to the Spanish Common Package of Benefits

Earlier this year, the Spanish authorities introduced endobronchial valves for persistent air leakage into the Common Package of Benefits of the National Health System. This decision was based on the reports (HTA report and monitoring study) by the Evaluation Unit of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS). On July 22, 2021, the Resolution outlining the conditions for the provision of the service was published.