Arbitration ruling clears path for assisted telemedicine in pharmacies
The German Pharmacists Association (ABDA) anticipates that assisted telemedicine services in pharmacies will become available to patients starting July 1, 2026. This follows an arbitration ruling that established the remuneration for the service.
Assisted telemedicine services in German pharmacies are set to become available to patients from July 1, 2026, according to the German Pharmacists Association (ABDA). The development follows an arbitration ruling that has established the necessary remuneration for the service, which insured individuals are entitled to under social law.
"Assisted telemedicine in pharmacies can help many people save time and travel to doctor's offices and receive competent advice at the pharmacy," stated Tatjana Zambo, ABDA's lead negotiator for assisted telemedicine. "The arbitration decision, which still requires confirmation from the Federal Ministry of Health, paves the way for assisted telemedicine in pharmacies. I am confident that pharmacies can offer this service to their customers starting July 1."
A key application for assisted telemedicine in pharmacies involves a structured medical initial assessment procedure to prepare for a video consultation. Pharmacies can offer these video consultations within their private consultation rooms, allowing patients to communicate with a medical practice in a confidential and secure environment directly from the pharmacy.
The arbitration decision resolves details regarding remuneration between ABDA and the association of statutory health insurance funds. The agreement has now been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health for review and will subsequently require approval from ABDA's general assembly.