Launch of Electronic Patient Records Delayed Again

The rollout of the electronic patient record system in Germany is facing further delays, as confirmed by the head of the National Association of Statutory Health Physicians. The initiative, initially scheduled to launch nationwide in April, will not be ready due to ongoing software issues across many medical practices.

Andreas Gassen, the chairman of the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung, indicated that many doctors' offices still lack the necessary software to implement the system effectively. Despite Health Minister Karl Lauterbach's desire to announce the program's launch himself before a potential change in government, it has become clear that the electronic patient record (ePA) will not be operational by the anticipated date.

According to Gassen, approximately half of the participating practices in test regions are unprepared due to software gaps, raising concerns about the capacity of software manufacturers to meet the requirements. He highlighted that comprehensive security measures must also be established, especially in light of vulnerabilities reported by the Chaos Computer Club. The Federal Data Protection Commissioner must verify that all security risks are addressed before a mandatory rollout can proceed.

The electronic patient record system has been undergoing trials since mid-January in various regions, including Franconia, Hamburg, and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia. The original launch was scheduled for mid-February, but technical challenges have prompted a reassessment of the timeline. The rollout is now projected to occur later than previously planned.

As the healthcare sector looks to modernize and improve efficiency through digital solutions, the delay of the electronic patient record system highlights the challenges of implementing new technology in a complex regulatory environment. Stakeholders are now awaiting further announcements from the health ministry regarding the new timeline for the system's launch.