Germany's Mandatory Electronic Patient Record Launches Oct 1, 2025
From October 1, 2025, a significant change in healthcare record-keeping is set to take place in Germany. The statutory health insurance is introducing the electronic patient record (ePA), which will be mandatory for hospitals, practices, and pharmacies. This move aims to improve patient care and reduce medical errors.
The ePA will store vital information such as findings, X-ray images, vaccination records, and medication plans. It will be accessible to all insured persons, numbering over 70 million, through their health insurance company. However, only about three million currently have the necessary health ID to access the app.
To use the ePA independently, a smartphone with a relatively new operating system is required. For those without a smartphone or facing technical difficulties, alternative methods are available, such as a desktop version or passive use managed by treating doctors.
The ePA's full implementation comes with potential benefits. In the best-case scenario, duplicate examinations can be avoided, and complex communication between different doctors or with pharmacies could be reduced. However, an incomplete record could lead to medical misjudgments, highlighting the importance of accurate and comprehensive record-keeping.
The introduction of the ePA is phased. From October 1, 2025, healthcare providers must meet the necessary prerequisites, with sanctions starting January 1, 2026, for practices and March 1, 2026, for hospitals. Since mid-2025, ePA data can be pseudonymized and transmitted to the Health Data Research Center without user consent, but a right to object exists.
Despite its potential benefits, more than half of the insured feel insufficiently informed about the ePA, according to AOK.
The ePA's rollout is a significant step towards digitizing healthcare in Germany. It promises improved patient care and reduced medical errors. However, it also underscores the need for comprehensive education and support to ensure all insured persons can access and use this new system effectively.
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