Medical professionals advocate for enhanced access to digital patient records data
In an interview with the "Rheinische Post", Markus Beier, the federal chairman of the Association of Family Doctors, expressed concerns about the electronic patient record (ePA). Beier criticized shortcomings in information and technology regarding the ePA, stating that it is in danger of crashing due to low user numbers.
Beier referred to a complicated registration process as a problem with the ePA. He called on health insurance companies to launch a comprehensive information campaign about the ePA, and for better patient education regarding its use. He observed that most patients are barely aware of the ePA, and that access for patients and doctors is often complicated.
Beier pointed out that unreliable technology is a cause of the low number of active users for the ePA. He mentioned that it is common for practices to have problems accessing the ePA. In its current form, the ePA is not practical for everyday use, according to Beier.
Despite these criticisms, Beier did not mention any new criticisms or problems with the ePA in this interview. However, he did emphasize the potential for the ePA to significantly improve and simplify care.
In a positive note, the current number of active users of the ePA at health insurance companies includes approximately half a million users in the pilot phase, as reported by the Techniker Krankenkasse, with the Barmer having set up accounts for 8.2 million of its insured members.
The Association of Family Doctors has warned that the ePA may fail due to low user numbers, with insufficient information and technical hurdles being the main reasons for its current low acceptance. Beier called on health insurance companies to use their administrative budgets to ensure proper information about the ePA for their insured.
Despite these challenges, Beier remains optimistic about the potential of the ePA to revolutionize healthcare in Germany. He encourages health insurance companies and the government to address the issues he has raised to ensure the successful implementation of the ePA.
