Telematics Infrastructure: Connection of Care Facilities by July Seen as Unlikely

By the deadline of July 1, 2025, over 30,000 care facilities are required to be connected to the Telematics Infrastructure (TI). However, recent findings from a survey conducted by the Federal Association of Health IT (Bvitg) suggest that only a small percentage of these facilities are on track to meet this requirement.

The survey, which included responses from 251 care facilities, revealed that although 92% of participants are aware of the mandatory connection to the TI, only around 33%--approximately 12,000 facilities--have applied for an electronic institution identification card (SMC-B), essential for TI connection. The figures are even lower for the email service KIM (Communication in Medicine), with only about 2,000 addresses registered. The Bvitg warns that, in just four months, an additional 27,000 care facilities need to apply for the SMC-B and over 34,000 must connect to the KIM service.

Reasons for the slow progress vary, with 80% of facilities citing a lack of training, guidance, and adequate support. Wolfgang Voßkamp from the Federal Association of Outpatient Services and Stationary Facilities (bad) noted that no implementation of the TI services has been completed on time. He emphasized that many facilities doubt the feasibility of the deadlines, which is causing reluctance to invest in the necessary technology.

Voßkamp described the prospect of all outpatient and inpatient care facilities being connected by the July deadline as 'unlikely'. The ongoing uncertainty regarding the implementation of TI services is perceived as a significant barrier. Voßkamp reiterated that the integration of care facilities into the TI appears to be an afterthought amid the numerous challenges facing these establishments. He called for improved information dissemination and practical support for facilities.

The issue of digitalization in the care sector has been a persistent concern, with previous instances highlighting the neglect of this area. A continuing problem is that electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) for residents of nursing homes cannot be transmitted directly from doctors to pharmacies via KIM due to existing referral bans. However, potential changes introduced by the Pharmacy Reform Act could allow pharmacies with home care contracts to establish appropriate arrangements with physicians.