German Pharmacists' Association Develops E-Prescription Linked to Telematics Infrastructure
The German Pharmacists' Association (DAV) is developing the electronic prescription in strict accordance with the requirements of the telematics infrastructure. The goal is to connect all pharmacies to the system by September 2020.
German pharmacies are actively involved in shaping the digitalization of healthcare, particularly in the development of the electronic prescription (e-prescription). Fritz Becker, Chairman of the German Pharmacists' Association (DAV), announced at the opening of the "expopharm" trade fair in Düsseldorf that pharmacies are implementing their connection to the telematics infrastructure on schedule.
According to a draft of the Digital Care Act (DVG), all 19,000 pharmacies in Germany must be connected to the telematics infrastructure by September 30, 2020. Becker considers this goal achievable but emphasized the reliance on external suppliers and service providers for equipping pharmacies with necessary connectors.
Becker clarified DAV's role as one of the leading shareholders in gematik for the e-prescription's introduction, stressing data protection, patient autonomy, and freedom of pharmacy choice. He expressed concern over alternative e-prescription solutions being pushed by health insurance funds or mail-order pharmacies, stating: "We are the only ones developing the e-prescription strictly in line with the requirements of the telematics infrastructure."
A pilot project is set to launch soon in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Additionally, Becker highlighted DAV’s patient app, which has already registered over 11,000 pharmacies. The app will allow patients to view, manage, and transport their e-prescriptions free of charge and without discrimination. The first e-prescription codes are expected to be processed through the app in November for evaluation and further development.