Germany's Mandatory ePA: A Game-Changer in Healthcare
From October 1, 2023, a significant change is coming to Germany's healthcare system with the mandatory introduction of the electronic patient record (ePA). AOK Rhineland/Hamburg's CEO, Günter Waltermann, welcomes this move as a long-overdue digitization step. The ePA aims to store medical documents electronically, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
A recent survey by Forsa on behalf of the AOK federal association reveals strong support for the ePA's mandatory use, with 83% of insured persons backing the decision. The ePA promises patients complete and self-determined access to their treatment data, a potential game-changer in healthcare.
However, the same survey indicates a knowledge gap, with 54% of insured persons feeling less or not well informed about the ePA. The Gematik, responsible for the ePA's introduction and success, is actively working to address this. It collaborates with stakeholders, including healthcare providers and patients, to ensure the ePA's functionality and security. Despite potential initial difficulties, the ePA has the potential to improve healthcare significantly.
While only 14% of insured persons reject the ePA, with just 3% objecting to its use, AOK Rhineland/Hamburg is committed to ensuring its success. The organization will continue to inform its insured comprehensively about the ePA to address knowledge gaps and support a smooth transition to this new digital healthcare era.
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