Over 10,800 Pharmacies in Germany Now Use Electronic Patient Records

The adoption of the electronic patient record (ePA) system in Germany continues to grow, with recent data indicating a significant increase in usage across healthcare facilities. According to figures from Gematik, the national agency responsible for digital healthcare infrastructure, a total of 10,883 pharmacies have integrated the ePA into their daily operations. This development reflects a broader trend within the German healthcare sector towards digitalization and improved information exchange.

Since the introduction of the ePA system, approximately 130,000 out of 160,000 healthcare facilities--encompassing dental and general medical practices, psychotherapeutic clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals--have accessed patient records. This accounts for roughly 81 percent of all such institutions nationwide.

In October alone, healthcare providers uploaded 10.6 million documents to the ePA system. The cumulative total has now reached 37 million uploads, with more than half comprising medical findings and reports. The frequency of data uploads is also increasing, with an average of 2.6 million documents being added to the system each week. The ePA also serves as a repository for medication information, further contributing to comprehensive patient care.

Originally, participation in the ePA system by medical practices was voluntary. However, as of October 1, it has become mandatory for all healthcare providers to store essential patient data in electronic records. The ePA is designed to accompany patients throughout their lives, enabling more effective and coordinated treatment by ensuring that relevant health information is readily accessible to authorized practitioners.

Gematik has reported that operational issues within the overall ePA ecosystem have been infrequent. Occasional disruptions in the secure health data network, known as the telematics infrastructure, are typically traced to specific components or services managed by various manufacturers. In most cases, these issues are resolved promptly by the responsible service providers or manufacturers, minimizing any impact on patient care.

The widespread adoption of the ePA among pharmacies highlights their critical role in supporting Germany's digital health transformation. By providing pharmacists with immediate access to up-to-date patient records, the ePA enhances the safety and efficiency of medication dispensing and supports more informed customer consultations.

Stakeholders in the healthcare sector view the ePA as a pivotal tool for improving patient outcomes. The system's growing usage demonstrates increasing trust in digital records and suggests a shift towards more integrated, data-driven healthcare delivery nationwide. As the ePA infrastructure matures, patients and providers alike are expected to benefit from enhanced data security, better coordination among care teams, and improved long-term health management.

The continued expansion of the ePA system, including its integration into pharmacies and other healthcare settings, marks an important milestone in Germany's efforts to modernize its healthcare services. With the system now mandatory for all providers, the focus will likely shift to optimizing workflows, ensuring data privacy, and further educating both professionals and patients about the advantages and functions of electronic patient records.