Regular update of the Norwegian Laboratory Code System released

On November 23, 2021, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system (Norsk laboratoriekodeverk 7280.59) and associated tariffs (Laboratoriekodeverk som gir rett til refusjon) for state and private laboratories to be implemented no later than January 01, 2021. NLK system has been used for activity-based reimbursement in outpatient settings since 2018. The Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) reimburses laboratory tests performed in outpatient settings. 

Thirty new codes were added, 6774 codes were changed, and one code was terminated.

Twenty-two 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:

• NOR35236, P-Coagulation factor XII activity (plasma);
• NOR35238, P-Von Willebrand-Factor collagen III binding activity (plasma);
• NPU12535, Sp-Neopterin (Cerebrospinal fluid);
• NPU26831, P-Coagulation factor X antibody (plasma);
• NPU54830, Sp-Levodopa (Cerebrospinal fluid).

One new medical biochemistry code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB8 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 55.9 NOK): NPU54011, Sp-AFP (Cerebrospinal fluid).

One new medical biochemistry code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB9 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 79.7 NOK): NPU60456, Us-AFP (unspecified).

On new immunology and transfusiology code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category IT2 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 31.4 NOK):  NOR35234, Erythrocyte weak D-antigen (blood).

Five 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:

• NPU59415, U-6-Betahydroxymethanedienone (urin);
• NPU60458 U-Levoamphetamine / Amphetamine (urin);
• NPU60460 U-5-Aminopropylindole (5-IT) (urin).

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

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