Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) defended the electronic patient record (ePA) amid criticism over low usage numbers and announced a range of improvements for patients.
She told the “Rheinische Post” that the ePA remains the core tool for a digital health system. “We will continue to improve its usability so that it offers greater value for all insured people” Warken said. “In addition to the e‑prescription and medication list, which are already key parts of care, we will add e‑referrals, a digital first‑assessment, and a built‑in appointment‑scheduling service. These additions will make the ePA attractive even to people who have not had long treatment histories”.
Accessibility will also be simplified. “We will streamline the authentication process while maintaining high security standards” she explained. “Furthermore, we will reduce the complexity of the telecom infrastructure to increase stability, giving the Gematik – the central digital health authority – broader access rights”.
Warken stressed that widespread adoption of the ePA requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including health insurers and providers, and urged them to contribute to the initiative.