Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
13h ago

Germany's Nationwide Electronic Patient Record System Set to Launch

The ePA rollout begins April 29 with voluntary adoption, as debates over security and usability persist.

Image
Image
Die elektronische Patientenakte sollte die Versorgung verbessern – und den Patienten Autonomie über Gesundheitsdaten geben.
Der Reiter ePa ist mit einer Patientenakte auf einem Monitor einer Arztpraxis zu sehen

Overview

  • The electronic patient record (ePA) will be available nationwide in Germany starting April 29, 2025, with mandatory use by healthcare providers beginning October 1, 2025.
  • The ePA consolidates medical documents such as doctor letters, lab results, and medication plans, allowing patients to manage access via insurer-specific apps.
  • While Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and the BSI confirm that security vulnerabilities identified in late 2024 have been resolved, critics, including the Freie Ärzteschaft, dispute these assurances.
  • Since January 2025, 70 million ePA accounts have been automatically created for statutory insured individuals, with opt-out rates reported at a low 3–7%.
  • Technical challenges, including app setup complexity and integration issues in healthcare facilities, may hinder early adoption despite the system's potential to improve care coordination.