Health: Millions of patients do not yet look at their electronic records

Only a few insured people actively use their electronic patient records (ePA). A survey conducted by the German Press Agency (dpa) among the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), the Allgemeine Ortskrankenkassen (AOK), and Barmer revealed that of the 44 million electronic records set up by the health insurance funds, only 1.2 million are actively used. Consumer advocates are calling for more useful functions to be implemented quickly. Carola Reimann, head of the AOK Federal Association, told dpa: "So far, the number of insured people logging into their electronic patient records has been manageable. Hopefully, this will change starting in October, because from then on, doctors will be legally obligated to use the ePA and fill it with relevant documents." TK CEO Jens Baas told dpa: "We are now in the phase where the ePA must reach the general population." Only when the record is filled and established in everyday life can it fulfill its potential for healthcare.

Following a reform by the traffic light coalition, 70 million of the approximately 74 million people with statutory health insurance have received an electronic health record from their health insurance provider since January. Those who don't want one must actively opt out. Following a test phase, its use in practices and clinics is currently being expanded nationwide. Doctors can fill out and view the ePA, even if the insured person isn't actively using it themselves. Access to the records is granted by presenting the insurance card at the reception desk – by default, for 90 days.

For patients, the following applies: You can log into the ePA, but you don't have to. Only if you do, however, can you specify online which doctors can see which data and which you prefer not to. To use the app, however, you first have to undergo a complex identification and activation process. This requires an electronic ID card with a PIN or an e-health card with a PIN, which you can request from your health insurance provider.

Health insurance companies are counting on increasing use of the electronic health record (EHR), which is intended to accompany patients throughout their lives. Bundling otherwise scattered or missing data is intended to enable better treatments and avoid duplicate examinations. According to Gematik, 40 million electronic health records were recently opened weekly in practices, clinics, and pharmacies. A good 70,000 facilities are participating, with the number potentially reaching 160,000. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (Krankenkassen-Spitzenverband) calls this a "satisfactory start." However, it also demonstrates that there is still much to be done for the true digitalization of the healthcare system.

Survey data shows that many insured people are interested in accessing health data such as doctor's letters or laboratory data via their ePA, said AOK CEO Reimann. New, useful features are expected to further encourage use. For example, there is already a list of medications taken. A medication plan with information on medication dosages, for example, will soon be added.

Gematik recently introduced an update with several new features. A version will be gradually rolled out that will allow the ePA to be managed not only via smartphone but also on a PC. This will require a reader for the electronic health card. It will also be possible to hide a medication list in the ePA, which is fed from redeemed e-prescriptions, only for specific practices – and not always for all. This should prevent conclusions about sensitive illnesses from being drawn. From the consumer advice centers' perspective, this is a decisive improvement, but also only a start. Patients should also be able to decide for themselves which institutions have access to what, including medical reports and billing data. It is not absolutely necessary "for the dentist's office to learn about psychotherapy," said Lucas Auer, the federal association's health expert. Relevant information such as vaccination records, bonus booklets, or x-rays should also soon be accessible via the electronic file. "Because the ePA will only find widespread acceptance if it offers tangible benefits."