Understanding the Electronic Patient Record: Key Insights

The electronic patient record (ePA) is set to revolutionize healthcare by storing vital health data such as medical reports, lab results, and vaccination records in a secure digital format. Starting in 2025, health insurance companies will automatically create an ePA for insured individuals unless they opt out.

Physicians will be mandated to populate these records, enhancing accessibility for patients through an app or web portal. The ePA operates on a closed telematics infrastructure, ensuring data privacy under the oversight of Gematik, the national digital health agency.

Support systems, including ombudsman offices, will assist users in navigating the ePA. However, accessing the app may prove challenging for some, and the option to delete the record exists.

Access rights for healthcare providers are limited, with strict time frames to ensure patient control over their information. This initiative aims to streamline patient care, reduce redundancies, and improve communication among healthcare professionals.