Laboratory blood tests will see a reimbursement increase starting in April, reflecting a more comprehensive analysis of samples. The fee code (GOP) 01724 for blood tests will be valued at 365 points – an increase of 43 points – resulting in a €5.48 increase in compensation.
This adjustment acknowledges the increased workload for laboratories now screening blood for 20 target diseases, rather than the previous 16. The change stems from modifications to the Children’s Guideline made by the Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA) in May 2025, which added screenings for vitamin B12 deficiency, homocystinuria, propionic acidemia, and methylmalonic aciduria.
The G-BA stipulated that these changes to the Children’s Guideline would take effect twelve months later, allowing screening laboratories time to acquire the necessary equipment. Updated informational materials for parents regarding the expanded newborn screening (Attachment 3 of the Children’s Guideline) have too been released. This screening aims for the early detection of rare, often life-threatening, or severely debilitating diseases in newborns to enable prompt treatment.
Further Adjustments to Laboratory Service Reimbursement in April
The assessment committee has also updated the GOP 32670 for the quantitative determination of in-vitro release of interferon-gamma following ex-vivo stimulation with antigens of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex to reflect current scientific and technological standards.
This allows for the quantitative determination of IP-10 (interferon-gamma-induced protein 10) release as an alternative to IGRA tests (such as QuantiFERON) for the examination to rule out latent or active tuberculosis using GOP 32670. Early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing further spread of the disease.
Prenatal Blood Test Reimbursement to Decrease in July
Beginning in July, the reimbursement rate for GOP 01870, covering prenatal testing of fetal DNA from maternal blood for Trisomy 13, 18, or 21, will be reduced from 1,642 points (€209.20) to 1,326 points (€168.94). This adjustment aligns the reimbursement with current test costs.
