The e-prescription will soon replace paper prescriptions across Germany by January 1, 2024. In order to ensure a smooth transition, the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Westphalia-Lippe and Schleswig-Holstein have announced a new round of testing from September. The previous attempt was deemed too complicated and lengthy, necessitating its cancellation at the end of 2022.
The latest version of the Gematik recipe app, released at the end of March, simplifies some aspects of the process while complicating others. Patients must enter a Card Access Number (CAN) printed on the top right of the eGK in order to register the app. Each time they access the prescription, they must enter a six-digit PIN obtained from their healthcare provider.
After verifying the numbers, including the eGK and the smartphone, the server reports with the prescriptions. Patients will initially have the ability to view their prescriptions at home. When visiting a pharmacy, they will only need to show their smartphone with the e-prescription app open, rather than using their eGK and entering their PIN.
Despite the app’s advancements, some physicians and patient representatives are calling for simpler procedures where patients can redeem their prescriptions using their eGK without an app or PIN.
To ensure that patients unfamiliar with technology don’t become overwhelmed with the e-prescription and the electronic patient record (EHR), a board member of the Brandenburg Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians is suggesting a digitization subsidy. Additionally, each doctor’s practice could receive an additional 8,000 to 15,000 euros per quarter to hire a digital technical assistant (DTA) to help patients navigate the system.
It is unlikely that such funds will receive approval. However, contract doctors and dentists will receive a monthly flat rate for their expenses in operating the telematics infrastructure (TI) from July 1, 2023. This includes the costs associated with router updates, for POP3 mailboxes with KIM providers, and sending e-prescriptions and electronic certificates of incapacity for work.
Negotiations between physician and insurance associations on the amount of the flat rate failed, and the Ministry of Health now has until June 30th to determine the monthly flat rate. Physician representatives fear that this amount will not sufficiently cover the actual costs of the practice in connection to the TI.
In conclusion, while the transition to e-prescriptions and the EHR is intended to streamline the healthcare process, there are still some hurdles to overcome. However, with proper testing and support, this change can result in a more efficient and effective healthcare system for all.
