Radiofrequency ablation

In mid-December 2025, a new version of the Common Classification of Medical Procedures (CCAM v.81), effective January 1, 2026, was published. Multiple changes were implemented, including the introduction of four new procedure codes, the provisional registration of four codes, the deletion of a few codes, the modification of tariffs for numerous activities/phases, and the amendment of existing services.

In August 2025, Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated the List of implants and invasive medical devices. A new sub-chapter for bone conduction hearing systems with nine material codes was introduced. One new material code was added for bipolar radiofrequency endometrial ablation. Two new Nominative lists for brand-specific bone conduction hearing systems were also published. Changes will come into force on September 1, 2025.

On July 15, 2025, the Austrian Institute for HTA (AIHTA) published four new HTAs (decision support documents) and two updates to previous decision support documents that provide recommendations regarding possible inclusion of new procedures in the reimbursement catalog of individual medical services (MEL). The assessments concerned cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, interventional radiology, men's health, urology, and orthopedics fields.

The Danish Health Data Authority quarterly updates the Health Care Classification System (SKS). The latest version was published in mid-June 2025 to come into force on July 1, 2025. Among other changes, seventy-eight new procedure codes were introduced concerning dermatology, endoscopy, ENT, interventional radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, spine, surgical procedures, and some other fields.

On April 8, 2025, the National Union of Health Insurance Funds issued an update to the Common Classification of Medical Procedures (CCAM), which serves as a reimbursement nomenclature for medical procedures in hospital and ambulatory settings. Changes include the introduction of new procedure codes, provisional registration of several procedure codes, and modification of existing services. Newly introduced procedure codes concern cardiovascular and peripheral vascular procedures, interventional radiology, ENT, and others. The update takes effect on July 1, 2025.

In November 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Interventional Procedures Guidance concerning endoscopic bipolar radiofrequency ablation for malignant biliary obstruction. Furthermore, one new clinical guideline was published, and two were updated.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) released new recommendations about add-on reimbursement of medical devices and medical aids from the meetings of the National Commission for Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS) in July 2024. Nine recommendations were published concerning the registration of medical devices in the List of Reimbursable Products and Services (LPPR). Opinions concern cardiovascular, neurovascular, interventional radiology, nephrology and urology, orthopedic, endocrine devices, and in-vitro diagnostic tests, as well as medical aids.

In July 2024, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) approved a new agreement (Convention) allowing reimbursement for percutaneous CT-guided ablation of renal, hepatic, pulmonary, and bone tumors. The agreement will come into force on November 1, 2024, and will be valid until October 31, 2029.

In June 2024, the Finnish Coordinating Center for Health Technology Assessment announced that two rapid hospital assessments in the extracorporeal treatments and endoscopy fields and one Digi-HTA were accomplished.

In December 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released two MedTech-related assessments in its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal, which concerned ablative and non-surgical therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma and hidradenitis suppurativa treatment. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

On December 1, 2023, the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) updated several articles of the Nomenclature. New procedure codes with reimbursement fees and associated conditions concerning cardiovascular, neurology, and obstetrics fields were added.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) released new recommendations about add-on reimbursement of medical devices and medical aids from the meetings of the National Commission for Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS) in November 2023. Seven recommendations were published in relation to the registration of medical devices in the List of reimbursable products and services (LPPR). Opinions concern cardiovascular, nephrology and urology, and orthopedic devices, as well as medical aids.