Regular update of the Norwegian Laboratory Code System released

On January 24, 2022, the Norwegian Directorate of e-Health released an updated version of the National Laboratory code (NLK) system (Norsk laboratoriekodeverk 7280.61) and associated tariffs (Laboratoriekodeverk som gir rett til refusjon) for state and private laboratories to be implemented no later than March 01, 2022. 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 new codes were added, 220 codes have been changed, and six codes have been terminated.

The following new medical biochemistry codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB0 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 0.49 NOK):

• NPU60493, C2-carnitine (blood);
• NPU60503, Prothrombin time mix before incubation (plasma).

Fifteen new medical biochemistry codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB2 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 6.82 NOK). Some examples are provided below:

• NOR35241, Von Willebrand-Factor Activity (GP1bR) (plasma);
• NOR35242, Prothrombin time mixed after incubation (plasma);
• NOR35243, Thrombin time (high concentration) (plasma);
• NPU17580, Differential count, microscopy (blood);
• NPU54886, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (spinal liquid);
• NPU60478, CYFRA 21-1 (plasma);
• NPU60485, Carnitine, free / (C16-carnitine + C18-carnitine) (blood);
• NPU60486, C14: 1-carnitine / C2-carnitine (plasma);
• NPU60489, ADAMTS13 gene (LRG_544t1: c.3178C> T) (DNA);
• NPU60499, Von Willebrand-Factor Antibody Activity (GP1bR) (plasma);

One new medical biochemistry code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB3 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 9.33 NOK): NPU60492, C8 carnitine / C2 carnitine (plasma).

One new medical biochemistry code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB8 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 56.57 NOK): NPU60513, C2 carnitine (plasma).

One new medical biochemistry code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB10 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 131.11 NOK): NPU60512, BM cells, morphology (bone marrow).

One new medical biochemistry code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MB12 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 504.12 NOK): NPU29503, Antidiuretic hormone (plasma).

Four new medical microbiology codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category MM2 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 38.12 NOK), for example, NPU60495, Lefamulin.

One new immunology and transfusiology code was introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category IT10 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 1123.35 NOK): NPU60502, Granulocyte Antibody (IgG) (plasma).

Four new clinical pharmacology codes were introduced and allocated to the reimbursement category KF2 (meaning that the reimbursement tariff in state laboratories is 22.21 NOK), for example NPU60508, Levoamphetamine / Amphetamine (blood).

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

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