18/03/2024
by country
The following German policies support the country development in a digital health:
1) Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz, often known as the Digital Healthcare Act (DVG), went into force in 2020. By encouraging the use of digital health apps (DiGAs) and telemedicine services, it seeks to hasten the digitization of Germany's healthcare system. Doctors may recommend digital health apps under the DVG as long as they adhere to strict quality and safety guidelines, and statutory health insurance will pay for the apps.
2) Digital Health Apps (DiGAs): The DVG established a new classification for medical equipment called DiGAs, or digital health applications. Healthcare professionals may recommend these software-based medical devices to patients in order to treat particular medical issues. DiGAs are put through a thorough evaluation procedure to guarantee their effectiveness, safety, and compliance with data protection laws.
3) The Telematics Infrastructure (TI) is a nationwide digital network that aims to enable safe communication and information sharing among healthcare providers, such as physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, health insurance, and patients. The implementation of electronic prescriptions, electronic health records, and other digital health services throughout the healthcare system is made possible by the TI.
4) Electronic Health Card (eGK): In the German healthcare system, patients can use the electronic health card, also known as the elektronische Gesundheitskarte (eGK), as a digital identity and access tool. Basic patient data, insurance coverage specifics, and access authorization for digital health services are all stored in the eGK. It is essential to the safe and seamless exchange of digital health information.
5) National Health Portal (Gesundheitsportal): The German government is working to create a national health portal that will give its people easy access to resources, services, and information about digital health. With the help of teleconsultations, online appointment scheduling, trustworthy health information, and other digital health resources, the portal seeks to empower patients.
6) Health Data Protection and Security Laws: The German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are two of the strict laws that control the security and protection of health data in Germany. To safeguard patient privacy and confidentiality, these regulations impose stringent requirements on the gathering, handling, storing, and sharing of personal health information.
7) Funding for Research and Innovation: To promote digital health technology and solutions, the German government funds research and innovation initiatives. Initiatives including digital health startups, partnerships in academic research, technological pilots, and pilot projects to test new services and applications in the field are supported by funding programs.