Mandatory from October: Is the ePA ready to go?

Around 70 million people with statutory health insurance now have an electronic patient record (ePA). However, the new digital storage systems for health data are only just beginning to become a reality in everyday life. As of October 1, pharmacies and medical practices will be required to actively use the ePA and, for example, enter important findings into the electronic records so they are available for subsequent treatment. However, just before the launch, the technical requirements are not yet in place everywhere, because medical practices are waiting for the necessary software modules.

"According to our latest information, approximately 80 percent of practices are equipped with such a module," Sibylle Steiner, board member of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), told the German Press Agency. "We view the fact that approximately one-fifth of practices are not yet able to work with the ePA very critically." He added that some providers of practice management systems have announced that the ePA module will be delivered in the fourth quarter. "We have received no feedback from other manufacturers."

Steiner said: "We will continue to push for all practices to be able to integrate the ePA into their daily work as quickly as possible." Paradoxically, however, delays could result in penalties for practices' compensation. This is completely unacceptable. "It cannot be that practices are penalized if software system manufacturers fail to provide modules for ePA use in a timely manner."

Since January, around 70 million of the 74 million people with statutory health insurance have had an electronic health record created by their health insurance company. Following a reform by the "traffic light" coalition, this process will be automatic unless actively opted out. The electronic health record (ePA) is intended to accompany patients throughout their lives. By centrally consolidating examination results, laboratory results, and medication information, it is intended to contribute to improved treatment.

Operations in healthcare facilities have been expanded nationwide since the spring. Doctors are still filling out electronic medical records (EHRs) on a voluntary basis. According to the majority-owned digital agency Gematik, around 58,000 of the 98,500 medical practices in Germany are already participating. Nearly 20,000 dental practices, around 6,500 pharmacies, and 727 hospitals are also participating. Recently, 1.9 million documents were uploaded weekly.