Belgian guidelines for economic evaluations: second edition.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to present the updated methodological guidelines for economic evaluations of healthcare interventions (drugs, medical devices, and other interventions) in Belgium.

Methods: The update of the guidelines was performed by three Belgian health economists following feedback from users of the former guidelines and personal experience. The updated guidelines were discussed with a multidisciplinary team consisting of other health economists, assessors of reimbursement request files, representatives of Belgian databases and representatives of the drugs and medical devices industry.

Should chronic hepatitis B be treated as early as possible?

Objectives: We studied the cost-effectiveness of tenofovir and entecavir in e antigen positive (CHBe+) and negative (CHBe-) chronic hepatitis B.

Methods: Using a multicenter survey including 544 patients we measured patient quality of life and attributable costs by clinical disease stage. Natural disease progression was studied in 278 patients in a single center.

Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccination for adults in Belgium.

Hepatitis A vaccination targeting adults (or adult risk-groups like e.g. travellers, health care workers, soldiers or teachers) could be considered an alternative to a universal infant or adolescent vaccination program in low endemic countries.

A cost-utility analysis of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in Belgium: focusing on a well-defined and identifiable population.

Background: Patients with severe aortic stenosis and coexisting non-cardiac conditions may be at high risk for surgical replacement of the aortic valve or even be no candidates for surgery. In these patients, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is suggested as an alternative. Results of the PARTNER (Placement of AoRTic TraNscathetER Valve) trial comparing the clinical effectiveness of TAVI with surgical valve replacement and standard therapy were published.

Provider volume and short term complications after elective total hip replacement: an analysis of Belgian administrative data.

The relationship between provider volume and short term complications after an elective total hip replacement was studied on Belgian hospital discharge administrative database from 2004. The analysis included 11 856 patients. Hospitals were classified in low-volume (< or = 60/interventions per year), medium volume (61-110) or high volume (>110).

International comparison of orthotic brace prices.

This study compared market prices (i.e. third-party reimbursement and patient co-payment) of prefabricated neck, wrist and knee braces in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Ontario (Canada) and the UK.

Reforming the Belgian market for orthotic braces: what can we learn from the international experience?

Objectives: This article aims to review regulation governing outpatient orthotic braces (neck, wrist and knee braces) in France, the Netherlands and Sweden with a view to reforming the Belgian market.

Methods: Information about the regulatory framework was derived from an analysis of legal texts and a survey completed by national experts.

Results: Strategies to keep down prices include public procurement in Sweden, maximum prices in France, and exclusion of expensive braces from reimbursement in the Netherlands.

Do tariffs and prices correspond with costs? A case study of orthotic braces.

Objectives: The Belgian third-party payer wishes to set reimbursement tariffs at a level that reflects the costs of orthotic braces. This article aims to calculate production and distribution costs of a prefabricated hard neck and knee brace and to explore whether Belgian tariffs and actual retail prices correspond with estimated costs of these two braces.

Methods: The cost model considered manufacturing costs, general overheads, research and development costs, warehousing costs, profit and distribution margins.