Berlin to Revolutionize Doctor Appointments with Digital Patient File App
Berlin, April 2, 2026 – Making doctor appointments can often be a frustrating experience, with busy phone lines and slow email responses. To address this, Germany’s Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU), has unveiled plans for a central digital pathway for patients to access medical treatments: through the apps of electronic patient files (ePA). This initiative, detailed in a draft law from the ministry, will also introduce e-referrals for follow-up treatments.
Digital Innovation at the Forefront of Healthcare
Minister Warken has consistently emphasized the need to integrate digital innovations more deeply into everyday healthcare. The ePA is set to be the central instrument for this transformation. Approximately 70 million of the 74 million statutory insured individuals have already had an e-file created by their health insurance provider, though opting out is possible. Hospitals and practices are now mandated to upload data such as findings and lab results to these files. However, millions of insured individuals do not yet actively use their e-file to view their own data or restrict sensitive content.
Enhancing the Utility of e-Files for All Patients
Previously, the ePA primarily benefited individuals with complex medical histories and numerous findings, according to the Minister. The goal now is to provide practical added value for everyone. To achieve this, the ministry is preparing new legislation. “Insured individuals should be offered user-friendly, digital avenues to outpatient care,” states the draft bill, which has been reviewed by the German Press Agency and first reported by the “Politico Pro-Newsletter Gesundheit.”
New Features and E-Referrals on the Horizon
Specifically, health insurance funds will be required to implement additional functions in their ePA apps by February 2028 at the latest. These include tools for booking appointments and access to a standardized initial assessment of complaints, which can then guide patients to a treatment appointment if necessary. Such initial assessments, involving a series of guided questions, are already offered by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians’ appointment service, accessible via hotline 116 117.
The legislation also includes general regulations that will affect existing commercial platforms for appointment booking. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds will be tasked with agreeing on requirements to ensure that statutory insured individuals receive “equal” access to care, preventing situations where individuals with pre-existing conditions are deprioritized for appointments.
Furthermore, the introduction of e-referrals is to be regulated. The aim is for general practitioners to use these from September 1, 2029, to refer patients to specialists.
Support from Health Insurance Funds, Cautious Acceptance from Physicians
Health insurance funds have expressed support for the plans. Jens Baas, head of Techniker Krankenkasse, stated that it would bring significant benefits for patients if the e-file played a key role and was linked with new services. However, he emphasized that uniform standards for initial assessments are crucial to ensure that appointments are always based on medical urgency. “Commercial interests have no place in appointment mediation.”
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) welcomed the intention to utilize the proven multimedia channels of 116 117 for digital initial assessments and appointment mediation. However, they stressed that if politics aims to enhance the role of the ePA, health insurance funds must significantly increase public acceptance. According to the ministry, approximately four million insured individuals currently possess a digital health identity, allowing them smartphone access to their ePA. While logging in is an option, it is not mandatory. Initial use of the app requires identification and activation, a process that consumer advocates and health insurance funds criticize as overly complicated.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The German Patient Protection Foundation welcomed the new ideas but pointed out existing problems with the basic functions and the process of populating e-files in practices and clinics. Eugen Brysch, chairman of the foundation, remarked, “First, we need to get the car on the road. Currently, it’s half-finished by the roadside.”
The Digital Act will also prepare for the planned introduction of a mandatory system where patients will typically first consult a general practitioner. This GP will then, if necessary, refer them to specialists with an appointment within a specific timeframe. Health insurance funds advocate for a “digital care pathway” with electronic initial assessments, referrals, and appointment mediation. This, according to Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis, deputy head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, will support insured individuals “in receiving medical care where and when they need it.”
Source: German Press Agency (dpa), Federal Ministry of Health, Techniker Krankenkasse, National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), German Patient Protection Foundation
