The Reimbursement of Expensive Drugs In Hospitals in Western European Countries.

• However, newly launched expensive drugs receive specific funding in two countries. In the UK, ‘innovation payments’ can be requested for new treatments. These payments are limited to a period of up to three years. Subsequently, drugs are either reimbursed via the DRG system or added to the high cost drug exclusion list. In Germany, hospitals can request NUBs (Neue Untersuchungsund Behandlungsmethoden – new examination and treatment methods), additional funding for new examination and treatments methods. NUB funding is only granted to requesting hospitals and for a certain period of time. Subsequently drugs are either reimbursed via DRGs or via ZEs (Zusatzentgelte – additional funding).