Healthcare Sector: Coalition Aims to Accelerate Digital Transformation

The coalition working group focused on healthcare has laid out plans to prioritize digital advancements within the sector. Key areas of focus include the electronic patient record (ePA), standardization of health IT systems, and enhancing the Gematik organization.

The coalition partners, consisting of the Union and SPD, have expressed their intent to leverage the opportunities presented by digital technology. Their concluding report emphasizes a commitment to rethinking and expediting processes, aiming to reduce bureaucratic burdens within the healthcare system.

While the report refrains from providing detailed digitalization goals, it reiterates several long-standing initiatives. These include plans for the electronic health record, the standardization of health IT, the strengthening of Gematik's role, and the introduction of a register law.

The partners reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the electronic health record (ePA) as planned for this year. Following a nationwide testing phase, the ePA is set to be made mandatory, with penalties for non-compliance, despite ongoing criticism and unresolved concerns. Initially, this requirement will apply to healthcare providers such as doctors and hospitals, as well as to patients who have not opted out.

Moreover, the coalition aims to transform Gematik into a modern agency that enhances connectivity among digital stakeholders in healthcare. In response to the fragmented software landscape and lack of competition within health IT, the partners plan to introduce standardization measures. They assert that all software and IT solution providers in the health and care sectors must ensure seamless and uncomplicated digital data exchange based on uniformly defined standards by 2027.

In addition, the coalition intends to improve the conditions for telemedicine to ensure comprehensive service availability. They aim to simplify interactions between insurance companies, medical practices, and other service providers to avoid redundant documentation. Efforts will also be made to digitize and streamline documentation and reporting through the use of artificial intelligence.

The coalition is committed to advancing the proposed register law and enhancing data utilization within the Health Research Data Center. They highlight the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive health data, emphasizing that any breaches must be met with strict penalties.