收费“堵点”打通：手术机器人、远程手术等临床应用将全面提速

Core Viewpoint - The National Medical Insurance Administration has released a guideline to standardize pricing for surgical robots and other advanced medical technologies, aiming to facilitate the clinical application of innovative medical technologies and promote a shift towards precision medicine [3][4]. Group 1: Pricing Guidelines - The guideline establishes 37 pricing items, including 5 additional charges and 1 expansion item, covering key technologies such as 3D printing, imaging enhancement, energy devices, intraoperative guidance, surgical robots, and remote surgery [3]. - The pricing framework focuses on the clinical value of new technologies rather than the equipment or surgical site, allowing for a more equitable and transparent pricing model [6][22]. - The guideline introduces a tiered pricing system based on the level of participation and precision of surgical robots, encouraging their use in complex surgeries while preventing misuse in low-value scenarios [6][25]. Group 2: Impact on Remote Surgery - The guideline includes a separate pricing item for remote surgery, facilitating its transition from exploration to practical application [7]. - Remote surgery is particularly significant in emergency situations, such as cardiovascular diseases, where timely intervention is critical [8]. - The establishment of a payment framework for remote surgery is expected to enhance access to quality medical resources across regions, benefiting patients significantly [10][21]. Group 3: Encouragement of Innovation - The release of the guideline signals a clear intent from the government to incentivize continuous innovation in the high-end medical equipment sector [11][12]. - Companies are expected to gain confidence in investing in research and development due to the stable policy environment created by the guideline [12]. - The guideline aims to create a commercial logic loop that supports the sustainable development of innovative medical technologies [11][14]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The market for surgical robots in China is expected to grow significantly, with domestic market share projected to increase from 32.61% in 2023 to 48.89% in 2024 [17]. - Despite the growth, the overall penetration of robotic surgeries remains low compared to countries like the United States, indicating substantial room for expansion [17]. - The establishment of a unified payment framework is anticipated to activate the existing market for surgical robots, leading to potential growth for companies already holding market share [17]. Group 5: Balancing Costs and Innovation - The guideline aims to balance the need for high-level innovation with the financial burden on patients by establishing pricing boundaries [22][25]. - It specifies that devices with multiple functionalities will be charged based on the highest service price, ensuring fair compensation for advanced capabilities [23][24]. - The National Medical Insurance Administration will guide local agencies in setting reasonable pricing standards, reflecting the value of technical services [26][27].