How does the e-prescription actually work?
The start of the electronic prescription had already been delayed several times. From July 1, 2023, however, it should finally be suitable for everyday use. But how exactly does the e-prescription actually work?
The so-called e-prescription is scheduled to officially start on July 1, 2023. Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) said this Editorial Network Germany (RND) with. The start of the electronic prescription had previously been delayed several times. But now Lauterbach announced: “The e-prescription is finally suitable for everyday use”.
What is the e-prescription?
Accordingly, patients can access the electronic prescription from July 1 via their insurance card. According to Lauterbach, around 80 percent of pharmacies should also be connected to the system and have a reader by the end of July. So far there have been isolated test phases, but the launch that has now been announced has been postponed several times.
From 2024, the e-prescription is to be introduced across the board and replace the pink prescription slips that have been common up to now. Loud Federal Ministry of Health the electronic prescription can be used in various ways. Patients can therefore decide whether they want to manage it digitally using a smartphone app and send it to a pharmacy, or receive the necessary access data from the doctor on paper.
How does the e-prescription work?
In order to use the e-prescription app, insured persons need an NFC-enabled electronic health card (eGK) including a PIN, which they can obtain from their health insurance company. As soon as the technical requirements are in place, patients should then redeem the e-prescription in a pharmacy by presenting their eGK.
When printed out on paper, the process is as follows: Patients receive a paper prescription from their doctor that contains a corresponding code. The printout is valid due to a digital signature without a manual signature. Pharmacy staff can scan the prescription code and provide the appropriate medication.
In both cases, doctors first store the e-prescription in the so-called telematics infrastructure (TI). This is an information and communication network that connects medical practices, hospitals, pharmacies in the healthcare sector. The aim is to improve care through faster and uncomplicated communication between all those involved.
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