Germany's EPR Expansion: Patients Get Easier Access from October 1st
From October 1st, patients in Germany will have easier access to their electronic patient records (ePR) at medical practices. Around 70 million insured people can now view summaries of their medical history for 90 days after presenting their insurance card at the reception. However, full records will still require a request.
The ePR system is designed to follow patients throughout their lives, compiling examination findings, laboratory values, and medication information. Around 80 percent of practices are equipped to handle ePR, with the rest expected to comply by a certain date to avoid remuneration deductions. Currently, only summaries are available in the ePR, so patients should still request their full records for detailed treatment information.
Hospitals anticipate a later integration, with 58 percent expecting full ePR functionality by the end of next year. As of mid-September, only 10 percent of hospital facilities are expected to have complete ePR integration by the end of this year. Despite this, around 58,000 medical practices, including 20,000 dental practices, 6,500 pharmacies, and 727 hospitals, are already participating in ePR.
Starting October 1st, doctors will be mandated to input important findings into the ePR. While the ePR offers a significant step towards digital healthcare, patients should still request their full records for comprehensive treatment details. The system's full potential is expected to be realised over the coming years.
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