Pharmacies Introduce Telemedicine Cabins for Remote Consultations

Pharmacies in Germany are preparing to implement new telemedicine cabins to support remote medical consultations, following recent regulatory changes that allow them to bill for assisted telemedicine services. The initiative is being driven by a collaboration between Berlin-based Doctor Box and the French company Tessan, which will supply specialized telemedicine cabins and terminals to pharmacies nationwide.

These developments come as part of efforts to modernize healthcare delivery and improve patient access to medical services. Under the new reimbursement scheme, pharmacies can claim a flat fee of 30 euros for each assisted telemedicine session, with the payment structure scheduled to decrease over the first three years to encourage swift adoption. In contrast, reimbursement for the pharmacist's work will gradually increase over time. The official start for these services is anticipated in July, pending final regulatory approval.

The telemedicine cabins represent a turnkey solution for pharmacies, providing more than just video consultations. Up to seven certified medical diagnostic devices are integrated into each cabin, including a digital stethoscope, otoscope, dermatoscope, pulse oximeter, automated blood pressure monitor, infrared thermometer, and, depending on the model, a single-channel electrocardiogram (ECG). These devices are connected and can be remotely controlled by the attending physician, who can activate and collect data during the video consultation from their location.

The cabins are designed to be seamlessly incorporated into existing pharmacy spaces. Two sizes are available to accommodate different spatial requirements, and a kiosk version is also offered for pharmacies with limited space. The kiosk can be set up in a private consultation area, ensuring patient privacy and compliance with healthcare data regulations. Installation and setup are projected to take one to two weeks following order confirmation, and training for pharmacy staff is included as part of the package.

Tessan's telemedicine technology is already in use in France, where it has contributed to expanding access to healthcare, particularly in underserved regions. The German deployment will utilize certified health terminals to connect to the national telematics infrastructure, ensuring secure and reliable data handling in line with local regulations.

The initial investment for pharmacies includes a base configuration cost of approximately 17,000 euros, with an additional monthly service and maintenance fee of 120 euros. This pricing model is intended to make the technology accessible to a wide range of pharmacies, from large urban locations to smaller rural establishments. The expectation is that telemedicine cabins will not only enhance service offerings for pharmacies but also help ease pressure on the broader healthcare system by facilitating timely access to medical advice and preliminary assessments.

In order to process billing for these services, three new special codes will be introduced. These will enable pharmacies to record both assisted video consultations and the structured initial assessments required to determine a patient's suitability for telemedicine. The new system is structured to comply with the Federal Collective Agreement for Physicians, ensuring that all procedures and data exchanges meet national healthcare standards.

While the telemedicine cabin rollout marks a significant step toward digital healthcare integration, some pharmacies may still face regulatory uncertainties at the state level. Authorities have previously indicated that each case could be subject to individual review, pending the clarification of uniform legal frameworks. Despite these challenges, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential of telemedicine to transform pharmacy practice and patient care in Germany.