Electronic patient file: Alliance publishes objection generator

From January 2025, an electronic patient file (elektronische Patientenakte, ePA) will be set up for all people with statutory health insurance unless they object. Most health insurance companies have already provided information on this and set up low-threshold objection options. To simplify the objection process, the alliance "Objection to the electronic patient record (ePA)" has also published an objection generator.

According to the alliance,this generator is intended to help insured persons with the two statutory objection options before the launch of the new ePA version: Against the ePA as a whole or only against the automated filling of the ePA with the billing data of the health insurance companies. In addition, you can also object to the evaluation of the billing data by the health insurance companies for personalized recommendations. This makes it possible to create a personalized objection or to copy a ready-made text.

More patient safety through data exchange

The electronic patient file is to become the heart of the digitalization of the healthcare system and facilitate the exchange of patient data. Doctors, for example, have long wanted a system-independent way of exchanging data between hospitals and medical practices. Until now, the exchange has often failed due to a lack of interoperability. The aim is also to improve the safety of drug therapy.

However, there is still criticism, including from data protectionists and doctors. Simone Connearn from Bündnis Widerspruch ePA, who had already initiated a petition against the ePA, criticizes the overly positive portrayal of the ePA and calls for critical clarification. Doctors such as Dr. Silke Lüder are critical of the launch of the ePA 3.0: "The new ePA threatens to waste time due to duplicate data storage, and the duty of confidentiality is effectively being abolished. The ePA is also by no means barrier-free and many people will be excluded."

Medical care even without an ePA

The alliance also points out that an objection to the electronic health record does not affect medical care. Doctors and psychotherapists will continue to store the necessary information in their files. In addition, patients are entitled to have their data handed over at any time, even without an electronic patient file.

(mack)