DiGA e-prescriptions: Now in production? TI rollout causes healthcare chaos
The rollout of digital health application e-prescriptions in Germany is accelerating, but requires strong user identification and is causing confusion. Pharma Deutschland criticizes the lack of clear communication.
Berlin – The rollout of e-prescriptions for digital health applications (DiGA) in Germany is progressing faster than initially anticipated, but the process is causing uncertainty and confusion among patients. Despite disappointing results from pilot phases regarding redemption rates, new figures from the German health technology company gematik indicate a significant increase in use.
The official introduction of DiGA e-prescriptions was planned for January 1, 2025. However, the redemption process for these e-prescriptions differs fundamentally from that of medication e-prescriptions, delaying its integration into the e-prescription service until May 2025. Mandatory use by doctors was postponed, and a pilot phase was commissioned after initial challenges. The pilot results were described as disappointing, with a redemption rate of only about 15 percent.
New data from gematik now shows a more active prescription of DiGA e-prescriptions. This has led to confusion among some DiGA manufacturers, who report patient inquiries. Using the e-prescription app requires a secure health ID combined with access to the electronic patient record (ePA). Alternative redemption methods, requested by DiGA manufacturers, have not been implemented.
According to Pharma Deutschland, this method of rolling out digital health applications without clear communication to all stakeholders degrades the availability of innovative therapies and can lead to confusion within the healthcare system.