Denmark

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 Danish Healthcare Quality Institute (DHQI) published its first national referral guideline, introducing a new instrument to standardize patient referrals in Denmark. The guidelines aim to establish consistent nationwide criteria for access to existing assessment and treatment services, reduce geographical variation in referral practices and support the appropriate use of healthcare resources. The first guideline addresses corrective plastic surgery after massive weight loss and will take effect on 1 January 2027.

On August 26, 2026, New Nordics AI launched the Nordic AI Health Map, a collaborative mapping of artificial intelligence initiatives in publicly financed healthcare across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The map provides an interactive overview of how AI is being developed and used in Nordic healthcare – from early-stage concepts and pilots to solutions integrated into everyday clinical practice.

The Danish Health Data Authority quarterly updates the Health Care Classification System (SKS). The latest version was published in mid-June 2026 to come into force on July 1, 2026. Among other changes, 54 new procedure codes concerning cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, gastrointestinal, interventional radiology, men’s health, urology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgical procedures, dermatology, and some other fields were introduced.

Denmark is in the process of establishing a new national organization, Digital Health Denmark, as part of a healthcare reform to strengthen digital development and coherence across the health sector. The organization will merge the Danish Health Data Authority, sundhed.dk, MedCom, and the National Genome Center. A preparatory phase is ongoing in 2026, with full establishment planned for January 1, 2027.

In April 2026, the Danish Healthcare Quality Institute (DHQI) released its first Method and Process Guide for Health Technology Assessment (HTA). The guide outlines both the methodological framework for HTA and the overall process, covering topic selection, assessment, and the DHQI Council's recommendations to regions on the implementation of treatment methods (e.g., medical technologies and procedures).

In April 2026, the Danish Health Data Authority opened the application period for changes to the 2028 DRG logic, including the creation of new DRG codes and modifications to the grouping logic for existing DRGs. The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

On March 20, 2026, the Danish Healthcare Quality Institute (DHQI) opened a call for submissions of clinical issues for health technology assessment (analysis or evaluation). Proposals from healthcare stakeholders will undergo validation and prioritization, with selected topics taken forward for evaluation and the development of national recommendations.

The Danish Health Data Authority quarterly updates the Health Care Classification System (SKS). The latest version was published in mid-March 2026 to come into force on April 1, 2026. Among other changes, 32 new procedure codes concerning extracorporeal treatments, interventional radiology, ICU/OR, ophthalmology, pulmonary and airways, surgical procedures, and some other fields were introduced.

In February 2026, the Danish Healthcare Quality Institute (DHQI) released a document outlining the criteria for “triaging” clinical guideline recommendations to health economic analysis. The criteria aim to identify recommendations with potentially significant clinical and resource implications that should undergo health economic evaluation and be considered by the DHQI Council for possible nationwide implementation.

In January 2026, the Handbook on Health Councils was released in Denmark. The handbook explains the role, structure, responsibilities, and financing of the new Health Councils introduced as part of the ongoing Health Reform. A transitional structure of 17 preparatory Health Councils will be in place in 2026 to support the establishment of the permanent councils starting in 2027.

In December 2025, the Danish Health Data Authority published the DRG tariff system (Takstsystem) guide, which provides an overall description of billing rules, tariffs, and grouping logic for 2026. Among other changes, 17 new DRGs were introduced in the nephrology and urology, obstetrics and gynecology, and some other fields.