Germany's Mandatory ePR Deadline Looms: Are Practices and Insurers Ready?
The electronic patient record (ePR) is set to become mandatory in German practices and clinics on October 1, 2023. As the deadline approaches, preparations are underway to ensure a smooth transition. Currently, around 70 million of the total 74 million insured persons have had an ePR set up for them since January 2023.
The ePR aims to improve patient care by bundling examination findings, laboratory values, and medication information centrally. However, only around 1.5 million insured persons (three percent) have registered for ePR use via their insurer's app, indicating a need for increased user engagement.
To facilitate this, the number of ePR users is expected to increase when doctors are required to fill in the records. The responsibility for providing the necessary software modules lies primarily with practice management system (PVS) software manufacturers. These modules must be certified by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV). However, some manufacturers are reportedly late in delivering these modules, which could potentially delay the implementation process.
With the ePR becoming mandatory in October, practices are urged to ensure they meet the technical requirements for connection. Meanwhile, insurers and software manufacturers must work together to simplify the registration process and increase user engagement. The successful implementation of ePRs is crucial for improving patient care and treatment outcomes across Germany.
