Berlin, December 22 – Patients in Berlin are advised to brace for potentially significantly longer wait times and organizational disruptions in doctor’s offices from January 2026. This warning comes as a result of a mandatory nationwide IT system overhaul, according to the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Berlin (KV Berlin).
Technical Transition to Cause Disruptions in Practices
The core issue stems from technical adjustments within Germany’s nationwide Telematics Infrastructure (TI). Practices that have not yet completed the necessary replacement of specific IT components will temporarily be unable to utilize several crucial digital applications. This includes, but is not limited to, e-prescriptions, electronic sick notes (eAU), electronic doctor’s letters, and access to the electronic patient file (ePA). The process of scanning electronic health cards may also be intermittently affected.
Kathrin Weiß, press spokesperson for KV Berlin, explained the implications: “Processes that are normally handled digitally and quickly will have to be carried out analogously or submitted at a later date.” This shift is anticipated to lead to increased organizational effort and, consequently, longer waiting periods for patients. The responsibility for the timely exchange of these components lies with the individual practices, as well as the involved IT service providers and manufacturers. Delays have been attributed to supply bottlenecks from certain providers and communication challenges experienced in recent months.
KV Berlin Apologizes for Anticipated Chaos
The Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Berlin (KV Berlin) has issued an advance apology for any inconvenience caused by these impending changes. “We ask for your understanding if there are isolated longer waiting times in Berlin doctor’s offices at the beginning of the year. The KV Berlin is in close contact with its members and has prepared them for the technical changes through all communication channels,” stated the KV Berlin board.
Background of the IT System Upgrade
The underlying reason for these restrictions is a mandatory technical transition scheduled for January 1, 2026. The current RSA encryption method will be replaced by the more modern ECC method. All TI components that exclusively rely on RSA, particularly connectors and professional and practice IDs, must be exchanged to accommodate the new standard. According to the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV), the new ECC method offers enhanced performance and security compared to its predecessor. The TI network aims to connect doctors, ensuring that medical documents are transferred quickly and securely to treating physicians.
Impact on Patients and Call for Feedback
The current situation highlights the ongoing challenges patients in the capital face when trying to secure doctor’s appointments and be seen within a reasonable timeframe. The upcoming changes are expected to exacerbate these difficulties, at least temporarily. The Berliner Kurier invites readers to share their experiences regarding current wait times in Berlin doctor’s offices. Feedback can be sent via email to [email protected].
