Electronic Health Record: Benefits and Features

Since 2021, the digital health record has been available to all legally insured individuals in Germany. It consolidates important medical data in one place, representing a significant opportunity for the German healthcare system.

Doctors can use the patient record to store and share findings, which improves communication. Hospitals also utilize this technology to enhance their operations.

The use of the patient record is voluntary. Insured individuals can choose whether to use it. It helps avoid unnecessary tests and enhances patient safety.

What is the Electronic Health Record (EHR)?

The electronic health record is a digital solution for storing health data. It helps patients manage their medical information centrally. It is part of the electronic health records system aimed at modernizing the healthcare system.

Definition and Purpose of the EHR

The EHR is a digital collection of findings, diagnoses, and treatment reports. It facilitates the exchange of information between doctors and patients. The goal is to improve the quality of care and avoid duplicate tests.

Legal Basis and Entitlement

Since 2021, statutory health insurance funds must offer an EHR to their insured members, as mandated by the Digital Healthcare Act. Insured individuals have a legal right to use the EHR. Since 2022, they can transfer their data when changing health insurance providers.

Voluntary Use

The use of the EHR is voluntary. Each insured person decides whether to use it. The decision does not affect insurance coverage or medical care. The EHR complements existing medical documentation software in doctor’s offices and hospitals.

Functionality of the Electronic Health Record

The electronic health record (EHR) changes how we manage health data. It makes accessing medical information easy and secure. It is central to telemedicine and also supports cloud-based health records.

Access via Smartphone App and Desktop Client

The EHR can be accessed via apps or desktop programs. For example, AOK offers the "AOK Mein Leben" app. This app allows users to upload, store, or delete documents. Doctors and healthcare staff can also add data without the patient being present.

Use Without Digital Devices

The EHR can also be used without a smartphone or computer by visiting a doctor’s office. Functions are limited, but essential services are still available.

Role of the Electronic Health Card

The electronic health card (eGK) is crucial for the EHR. With a PIN from the health insurance and the eGK, users can securely access health data. This ensures that information is protected and accessible only to authorized individuals.

Contents and Data Stored in the EHR

The electronic health record (EHR) collects various medical information. The patient portal helps access documents and data, allowing patients to manage their health information centrally and share it with doctors.

The EHR stores important medical documents:

• Doctor’s letters and treatment data
• Electronic medication plan
• Emergency data record
• Vaccination documentation
• Electronic dental bonus booklet
• Child examination booklet
• Maternal pass

Interoperability of health data is crucial. Data from electronic health records (EHRs) can be integrated into the EHR. Information from health insurance claims is also included.

Electronic prescriptions are stored in the EHR. This facilitates communication between doctors, pharmacies, and patients. The variety of data makes the EHR a key tool for comprehensive health care.

Advantages of the Electronic Patient Record (ePA)

The electronic patient record (ePA) offers numerous benefits for the healthcare system. It improves care and enhances efficiency while ensuring that data protection in healthcare is always maintained.

Improved Communication

The ePA facilitates communication between doctors, patients, and health insurers. All essential health data is digitally consolidated and accessible at any time. This streamlines coordination and saves time during treatments.

Fewer Duplicate Examinations

Centralized storage of medical findings helps avoid unnecessary duplicate examinations. This conserves resources and relieves patients. Doctors can provide more targeted and timely treatment.

Enhanced Patient Safety

The ePA significantly increases patient safety. Emergency data is readily available, improving information flow and reducing treatment risks. Drug interactions can also be more easily identified.

In the future, e-prescriptions and digital sick notes are expected to be integrated into the ePA, simplifying processes further. Data protection in healthcare remains a top priority, with only authorized individuals having access to sensitive data.

Data Protection and Security with the ePA

The electronic patient record (ePA) places a strong emphasis on data protection in healthcare. It adheres to strict regulations to ensure health data is securely protected. All servers are located in Germany and follow European data protection rules, ensuring data is securely stored.

The ePA uses encrypted documents for security. Patients have control over their data, including what is stored or deleted. Since 2022, they can also specify who can access their documents.

Healthcare providers are responsible for data protection within the ePA. They must handle data securely. Since 2022, private health insurers also offer ePAs, highlighting the importance of secure handling of health data.

FAQ about the Electronic Patient Record (ePA)

What is the electronic patient record (ePA)?

The ePA is a digital collection of health data for those with statutory health insurance. It consolidates findings, diagnoses, therapies, and treatment reports.

Is using the ePA mandatory?

The use of the ePA is voluntary, but those with statutory insurance have the right to access it. Health insurers are required to offer the ePA.

How can I access the ePA?

The ePA can be accessed via apps, desktop clients, or at medical practices. You need the electronic health card (eGK) and a PIN from your health insurer. It is also possible to use the ePA without digital devices.

What data can be stored in the ePA?

The ePA stores medical data, doctor’s letters, medication, emergency information, examinations, vaccination data, prescriptions, and health insurance information.

What benefits does the ePA offer?

The ePA improves communication in healthcare, prevents duplicate examinations, and enhances safety. Information is digitally accessible at all times, which improves diagnoses and treatments.

How is data protection ensured with the ePA?

The ePA meets high data protection standards. Data is encrypted, and insured individuals determine what is stored and deleted. Healthcare providers must adhere to data protection regulations.