Report: e-prescription more time-consuming for most doctors than sample form 16

The digitalization of German medical practices is progressing slowly. While some applications such as the electronic certificate of incapacity for work are working well, there are still considerable hurdles for others. This is the result of the practice barometer of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV). The IGES Institute commissioned by the KBV surveyed around 3,000 doctors and psychotherapists in summer 2024.

The electronic certificate of incapacity for work (eAU) is largely established, with 99% of respondents using it regularly. However, there are still some problems when it comes to employers retrieving the eAU; in some cases, paper sick notes are still required.

Due to technical problems with the telematics infrastructure and limited application options, e-prescriptions are sometimes used in parallel with the sample 16 form. 65 percent of medical practices state that the proportion of sample 16 forms for all prescriptions is no more than a quarter. The launch of the electronic prescription for narcotics has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of budget funds.

In the past, there have been repeated calls for the e-prescription to also be able to be issued in home care. 54 percent of practices stated that the e-prescription would involve more work than the sample 16. A third even feared medical risks.

Hardly any networking with hospitals

The survey shows that digital communication between medical practices has improved. However, networking with hospitals is at a standstill. Only 9 percent are able to send digital discharge letters from hospitals, although 80 percent of the doctors surveyed expect the most from this exchange.

Electronic patient records with mixed expectations

With regard to the electronic patient file (ePA) planned for 2025, respondents were cautiously optimistic. They expect the greatest benefits from electronic medication plans, hospital discharge and doctor's letters. However, there are concerns about the additional time required. One of the doctors' hopes is for structured and searchable data, but so far the ePA mainly contains PDF files.

"Colleagues in private practice certainly expect benefits from the ePA, but are also concerned about a large additional burden," explains Dr. Sibylle Steiner, member of the KBV Executive Board. According to the survey, 90 percent of practices fear that the ePA will cost a lot of time.

The performance of practice management systems (PVS) varies greatly. Processes such as signing documents like e-prescriptions take different lengths of time. Disruptions to the telematics infrastructure (TI) occur with varying frequency, which significantly impairs work in the practice. It takes more than 10 seconds to sign a prescription in 60 percent of medical practices, while the process takes between 5 and 10 seconds in a quarter of medical practices.

The worst PVS causes daily disruptions for 45 percent of users, the best for only 3 percent. Despite dissatisfaction, many practices are reluctant to change systems because they fear high costs and effort. The KBV is therefore calling on legislators to take measures to reduce the hurdles involved in changing the PVS.

(mack)