During Q2 Q3 2026, the Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) published three recommendations, including robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. Furthermore, SHTG published three Innovative Medical Technology Overviews covering cardiovascular, ENT, and gastroenterology fields, and is currently working on several assessments, including coronary CT angiography and CT fractional flow reserve, and wearable home-testing devices for obstructive sleep apnoea.

In October 2026, the Swiss Organization for Outpatient Medical Tariffs (OAAT AG) announced changes to the application process for further development of the national outpatient reimbursement system, comprising TARDOC and outpatient flat-rate tariffs. The changes introduce formal prioritization criteria for tariff development proposals and expand direct access to the online application platform for eligible applicants. The next application cycle, covering Tariff Version 2029, will open in February 2027.

On October 15, 2026, the German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) announced that the Bundestag had adopted amendments to the Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) Contribution Rate Stabilization Act. A key change concerns the restructuring of reimbursement for outpatient and short-stay inpatient procedures, with Hybrid DRGs set to be abolished from 2028. From 2027, procedures without an overnight stay will transition to regular outpatient reimbursement, while procedures involving an overnight stay will remain under Hybrid DRG tariffs until new short-stay case-based payments are introduced.

On 28 October 2026, the European Commission published a draft implementing act proposing the selection of PRIMA Products for Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) at the EU level under Regulation (EU) 2021/2282. A second technology, the CEVIRA device for cervical photodynamic therapy, was not selected for JCA. The draft will be discussed at the HTA Committee meeting on 13 November 2026 before the formal adoption process is completed.

In mid-October 2026, the Danish Health Data Authority published its quarterly update to the Health Care Classification System (SKS), effective from 1 October 2026. The update introduces 11 new surgical and medical procedure codes across several specialties, including cardiovascular, ENT, obstetrics and radiology. Notable additions include new codes for leadless pacemaker implantation and the use of a balloon for an impacted fetal head before a cesarean section.

In October 2026, the Canary Islands Healthcare Evaluation Service (SESCS), operating within the Spanish Network of Health Technology Assessment Agencies (RedETS), published several New and Emerging Health Technology Fact Sheets. The publications cover technologies across gastrointestinal, gynecological, pulmonary, neurovascular, diagnostic imaging, and in vitro diagnostic fields. The purpose of the Fact Sheets is to inform the prioritization of new and emerging technologies for evaluation by RedETS.

Our goal at MTRC is to inform the decision-making of our clients and to support their market access activities. Below is a snapshot of our planned activities for the next two weeks. This can help our existing and prospective clients understand the potential scope of our support better. From the week of October 26th, we plan to work on 13 projects. Review the complete list of planned activities in this post.

MTRC is pleased to announce the launch of the MTRC Access Intelligence mobile app, now available on the App Store and free to our Database subscribers. The app provides convenient mobile access to market access intelligence covering reimbursement, HTA, coding, payer decisions, and regulatory developments relevant to medical technologies.

On 19 October 2026, the Norwegian Directorate of Health published the preliminary 2027 activity-based funding (ISF) framework, including updates to the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system. While the overall system remains largely unchanged, the share of activity-based funding for somatic specialist care is set to increase from 30% to 40%. Seven new DRGs and four Special Service Groups (STGs) are planned, although none of them are directly related to MedTech.

On 20 October 2026, the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) published an update to the List of implants and invasive medical devices, effective from 1 November 2026. Four new material codes were introduced for intracoronary imaging catheters, radial endobronchial ultrasound probes, and custom-made implants for external aortic support. Notably, the update establishes specific reimbursement for materials used in intracoronary imaging and radial endobronchial ultrasound procedures for the first time in Belgium.

On October 1, 2026, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) published the second release of the DRG package for 2027 (RZ27b). One new procedure code will be introduced in the ENT field. No new diagnoses or DRGs are introduced, and no new supplementary payments (OZP) are added in the Med Tech-related field. The effective date of the release is January 1, 2027.

On 7 October 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) launched a funding call to support evidence generation for technologies positively recommended through NICE early-use HealthTech guidance. The initiative aims to help generate the additional evidence required for full NICE evaluation and broader NHS adoption. Outline applications are due by 2 December 2026, with final funding decisions expected from June 2027.