Starting May 1, 2026, two new minimally invasive procedures will be available through Poland’s National Health Fund, potentially avoiding thousands of surgeries.
New Procedures to Launch May 1, 2026
Two new medical procedures will be integrated into Poland’s public healthcare system, becoming effective May 1, 2026. The Minister of Health has approved the addition to the guaranteed benefits package, and the National Health Fund (NFZ) is preparing the reimbursement guidelines.
The implementation of these services will depend on hospital adoption and the NFZ’s reimbursement rules, with an estimated annual cost of approximately 36 million złoty.
What Changes with the Minister of Health’s Regulation?
As of May 1, 2026, patients will gain access to new hospital services, as outlined in the Minister of Health’s regulation dated March 27, 2026 (Dz.U. poz. 443).
Proven Techniques Now Publicly Funded
These procedures are not experimental but established techniques used in modern medicine. Their inclusion in the public system means patients can access them without private funding, representing a systemic change as they are added to the officially funded “basket” of services.
ESD and TEM Procedures: Fewer Operations, Shorter Hospital Stays
Both new procedures focus on treating changes in the gastrointestinal tract, including cancerous lesions, and are characterized by their minimally invasive nature.
This translates to a noticeable difference for patients, potentially reducing hospital stays and recovery times to shorter endoscopic procedures instead of multi-day hospitalizations.
ESD and TEM: Applications in Various Diseases
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
ESD is primarily used in the early stages of gastrointestinal cancers and precancerous conditions. Common indications include:
ESD allows for complete removal of the lesion without surgical intervention.
Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TEM)
TEM is a more localized procedure focusing on the rectum (the final section of the large intestine). It is used for:
TEM enables precise lesion removal without abdominal incision.
NFZ Establishes Reimbursement Rules
Simply adding procedures to the benefits package is insufficient for system functionality. The NFZ is preparing a draft regulation to incorporate the new procedures into the catalog of services, assign specific billing codes, and define reporting and funding methods.
This document will determine whether and how quickly hospitals begin performing the new procedures; even the best regulations remain ineffective without these provisions.
Cost of New Hospital Procedures: 36 Million Złoty Annually
The changes are justified by an estimated cost of approximately 36 million złoty annually. While not a groundbreaking amount within the healthcare budget, the significance of these funds extends beyond the numerical value.
Modern treatment methods often reduce the need for costly surgeries, shorten hospital stays, and lessen the burden on the system in the long term, representing an investment in the quality of care.
Key Date: New Hospital Services Available from May 1, 2026
The timeline is tight and clearly defined in the regulations, with the system expected to launch almost immediately after the consultation period concludes.
Hospital Access: Where Will Services Be Limited?
The legal change does not guarantee automatic availability of services nationwide. Hospitals must have appropriate endoscopic equipment, trained personnel, and experience in minimally invasive procedures to perform ESD and TEM.
Initially, the new services will likely be concentrated in larger centers, potentially requiring patients from smaller towns to travel for treatment.
Benefits for Patients
Previously, patients with detected intestinal changes would undergo traditional surgery, involving hospitalization, recovery, and increased risk of complications.
With the new procedures, the scenario may change, offering a less invasive and faster recovery process.