Reimbursement,

22.03.2022

For 2 out of 3 DiGAs, no positive healthcare effect could be proven so far

The DiGA directory currently lists 31 applications (22.03.2022), of which the largest percentage deals with neurotic, stress, and somatoform disorders (14.6 %). On 6 March, the newest DiGA „Meine Tinnitus App - Das digitale Tinnitus Counseling“ was added to the directory. DiGAs are provided by a total of 23 companies, with GAIA AG and GET.ON Institut für Online Gesundheitstrainings GmbH being the top performers each with four digital health apps. To be included in the DiGA directory, manufacturers must specify the positive healthcare effect the digital application is intended to lead to. With 71%, a large proportion of DiGAs aim to create a medical benefit for the patient (see figure 1). 

More information is available at in our German speaking sites.

Market Access,

01.02.2022

Health insurance funds conclude quality contracts with hospitals in four indications

The Hospital Structure Act (KHSG) of 01.01.2016 is the legal basis for the conclusion of quality contracts in which the aim is to test "the extent to which a further improvement in the provision of inpatient treatment services can be achieved, in particular through the agreement of incentives as well as higher-value quality requirements" (Section 110a (1) SGB V). 

Learn more on overview of the G-BA on the German site

Market Access,

12.04.2022

Does the GSAV spell the end for biosimilar targets?

In August 2019, the “Gesetz für mehr Sicherheit in der Arzneimittelversorgung“ (GSAV) came into force. The law aims to improve the quality and safety of medicines. The contents of the GSAV also affect the supply of biotechnologically produced drugs, known as biologics. The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) was instructed to regulate notes on the interchangeability of biologics with their biological reference drugs (so-called biosimilars) at the pharmacy level. The aut-idem regulation is thus to be extended to biologics. Previously, this regulation was not permissible, as biosimilars are not generics of biologics. Due to the complex manufacturing process, biosimilars and biologics are not completely identical. By August 2022 at the latest, the G-BA should have regulated more details on interchangeability at the pharmacy level. 

Learn more on overview of the G-BA on the German site

Patient Preferences for Treatment of pNP: Findings From a Survey Using the Discrete Choice Experiment Methodology

Real World Evidence, Evidence Generation

11.02.2021

A brief video summary of our latest study using a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE); health services research: