HCHE evaluates model project on genome sequencingA consortium led by the Hamburg Center for Health Economics is conducting the evaluation of the model project for comprehensive diagnostics and therapy selection through genome sequencing and has commenced its work

29 September 2025

As part of the model project on genome sequencing, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband), in agreement with the Federal Ministry of Health, is responsible for the legally mandated evaluation. This evaluation was put out to tender across Europe via a negotiated procedure with a prior call for competition. The contract was recently awarded to the Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE) at the University of Hamburg, which will carry out the project in collaboration with the Institute of Human Genetics at the Medical University of Innsbruck and the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the University Hospital Zurich. The evaluation includes an analysis of the data specified in the annex of the Genome Data Ordinance, focusing on service utilization and care processes, as well as diagnoses, therapy recommendations, and patient-relevant outcomes. Additionally, causal analyses will be conducted on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs using statutory health insurance billing data. A survey of participating patients is also planned in order to gain insight into care satisfaction and perceived changes in health status. Recruitment for the survey will be designed to be low-threshold and low-effort, in the form of an information handout provided by healthcare providers.

The evaluation team has already started work. Currently, the evaluation concept is being finalized, and preparations are underway for the patient survey, as well as for coordinating data access with the platform operator BfArM and the trusted third party at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

The model project for comprehensive diagnostics and therapy selection through genome sequencing in rare and oncological diseases was initiated by the Healthcare Development Act (Gesundheitsversorgungsweiterentwicklungsgesetz, GVWG) in 2021.

For further questions, please contact mvgs-evaluation@uni-hamburg.de.