Regular update of the Norwegian Laboratory Code System released

On September 23, 2021, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system (Norsk laboratoriekodeverk 7280.58) and associated tariffs (Laboratoriekodeverk som gir rett til refusjon) for state and private laboratories to be implemented not later than November 01, 2021. NLK system is used for activity-based reimbursement in outpatient settings since 2018. The Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) reimburses laboratory tests performed in outpatient settings. 

Thirty-nine new codes were added, 130 codes have been changed, and 11 codes have been terminated.

One new medical biochemistry code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB0 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 0.48 NOK):

• NOR35229, B-C16:1-OH-karnitin (3-Hydroxypalmitoleylcarnitine) (blood)

Twenty new medical biochemistry codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB2 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 6.74 NOK). Some examples are provided below:

• NOR35226, B-C4DC-carnitine (blood)
• NOR35227, B-C4-OH-carnitine (blood)
• NOR35232, U-Uroporphyrin I/Creatinine (urine)
• NPU01141, P-C24/C22 (Aliphatic carboxylate C24:0/C22:0) (plasma)
• NPU18126, U-Uroporphyrin I (urine)
• NPU27438, P-C26 (Aliphatic carboxylate C26:0) (plasma)
• NPU29516, P-ADAMTS13 IgG (plasma)
• NPU60427, P-Vedolizumab antibody (plasma)

Three new medical biochemistry codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB8 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 55.9 NOK):

• NOR35228, P-C5DC-carnitine+C10-OH-carnitine (plasma)
• NOR35230, P-C16:1-OH-carnitine (plasma)
• NOR35231, P-C18:1-OH-carnitine (plasma)

Nine new clinical pharmacology codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category KF2 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 21.95 NOK). Some examples are provided below:

• NPU27761, P-Cloxacillin (plasma)
• NPU59099, P-Sum: Cariprazine + desmethylcariprazine + didesmethylcariprazine (plasma)
• NPU60412, B-Flualprazolam (blood)
• NPU60424, P-Levometadone / Methadone (plasma)

Three new clinical pharmacology codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category KF8 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 638.38 NOK):

• NPU60421, P-Valproate, free/total (plasma)
• NPU60422, P-Carbamazepine, free/total (plasma)
• NPU60423, P-Phenytoin, free/total (plasma)

Three new medical microbiology codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MM2 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 37.67 NOK):

• NOR35224, Us-carbapenemase resistance gene
• NPU59835, P-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG (plasma)
• NPU60440, F-Plesiomonas shigelloides DNA (faeces)

See more information in Norwegian here (codes) and here (tariffs).

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