Das deutsche Gesundheitswesen steht vor einer Revolution - dem eRezept. Ab Januar 2022 sollen Patient:innen die Möglichkeit haben, ihre Medikamente online zu bestellen und das Papierrezept adé zu sagen. Auch Apotheken und Ärzt:innen müssen sich auf die Digitalisierung einstellen. Doch wie funktioniert das eigentlich genau und was sind die Vorteile für alle Beteiligten?

Bereit für das eRezept

The introduction of the electronic prescription, or e-prescription, is set to revolutionize the way pharmacies operate in Germany. The e-prescription is just one part of the new telematics infrastructure in the German healthcare system, which aims to create a secure digital network between health providers and institutions. To learn more about the implications of the e-prescription for pharmacies, an interview was conducted with Gerhard Haas, the project manager of the telematics infrastructure for the Association of German Health Insurers, and the chairman of the Federal Association of German Pharmacy Software Companies.

Haas explained that the e-prescription has been discussed for many years, but it is only now that it is about to become a reality. The telematics infrastructure, which is the backbone of the e-prescription system, was first proposed back in 2005. It was decided that the German healthcare system needed to be digitized and modernized, and to achieve this, the Gematik was created in 2005 to oversee the technical implementation. One of the first steps was to replace the old health insurance card with a new one that has a chip and personal photo.

To participate in the telematics infrastructure, pharmacies need to comply with certain technical and organizational requirements. They must install a connector device that connects their local network to the telematics infrastructure, as well as card terminals and smart cards for themselves and their staff. They must also connect their pharmacy software to the telematics infrastructure to be able to receive and process the e-prescriptions.

The e-prescription has several advantages over traditional paper prescriptions. It is more secure, as it cannot be lost or stolen. It is also more convenient, as it can be transmitted electronically from the doctor to the pharmacy, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, the e-prescription can be broken down into individual items, allowing the patient to receive only the medication they require, rather than the whole prescription.

However, the introduction of the e-prescription has not been without its challenges. The technical implementation has been complex, requiring the development of new hardware and software, and the creation of new standards and protocols. In addition, there have been concerns about data privacy and security, particularly with regard to the sensitive health data that will be transmitted via the telematics infrastructure.

There has also been a political dimension to the introduction of the e-prescription. The Gematik is a joint venture between various stakeholders in the German healthcare system, including the government, doctors, and pharmacies. As such, decisions about the implementation of the telematics infrastructure and the e-prescription have involved complex negotiations and compromises. However, with the government now holding a 30% stake in the Gematik, it is hoped that progress will be made more swiftly in the future.

In conclusion, the e-prescription is set to transform the way pharmacies operate in Germany. The introduction of the telematics infrastructure and the e-prescription will require significant changes to the technical and organizational processes in pharmacies. However, it is hoped that the benefits of the e-prescription, such as increased efficiency and convenience, as well as improved patient safety, will ultimately make the effort worthwhile.
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