Germany's healthcare system is embracing the digital age with the mandatory implementation of e-prescriptions from January 1st, 2024 for over 70 million individuals covered by German public health insurance. This significant step underscores the accelerating momentum of healthcare digitization in Germany. SMS plays a vital role in the rapid adoption. In this article, we’ll dive into the recent developments in the world of E-prescriptions, eScripts, E-Rezept, or so-called eRx in Germany.
Rapid adaptation to E-Rezept among 70 million Germans
Gematik, Germany's authority on healthcare system digitalization, reveals the swift ascent of the E-Rezept. A notable achievement emerges: a staggering 124 million e-prescriptions were redeemed nationwide since the year began. This surge highlights the rapid embrace of eRx, with over 80,000 medical facilities now issuing e-prescriptions weekly as of early 2024. Ever since, more E-Rezepte have been prescribed every month.
What are E-prescriptions, eScripts, E-Rezept or eRx?
E-prescriptions, simply put, are digital prescriptions sent directly from healthcare providers to pharmacies via secure electronic networks. Instead of handwritten notes, healthcare professionals use specialized software to generate and transmit prescriptions electronically. These prescriptions can be accessed by your ID-card, an app, or your insurance card. Pharmacists receive these prescriptions, reducing the risk of errors associated with manual transcription and improving efficiency in dispensing medications. Most European countries have already implemented this method in the past years. Healthcare, known for its adherence to tradition, this breakthrough is truly remarkable. It marks a significant milestone in the journey towards digitalizing one of Europe's largest healthcare systems.
How do E-prescriptions in Germany work?
Let's consider a scenario where a patient, let's call him Max, falls ill and needs a prescription medication. Max decides to visit his doctor to seek medical attention. During the consultation, the doctor diagnoses Max's condition and determines that a prescription medication treatment is necessary.
Instead of writing a traditional paper prescription, the doctor opts to issue an electronic prescription, or eScript, for Max's convenience and safety. The doctor accesses Max's digital health records using secure electronic systems, such as an app or a card linked to Max's insurance information.
Once the e-prescription is generated, Max receives a notification, possibly via SMS, informing him that his prescription is ready for access. If Max has chosen to access his patient information through his mobile phone, he may receive an SMS containing a one-time password (OTP) to securely access the digital prescription. With the necessary authentication completed, Max can now access his e-prescription electronically. He proceeds to an online pharmacy platform where he can view his prescription details and order the prescribed medication. To ensure secure transactions, Max uses a SMS Transaction Authentication Number (smsTAN) as an additional layer of security during the payment process.
Max completes the online transaction, paying for the medication electronically. The pharmacy then prepares Max's prescription for pickup. Max receives a confirmation SMS with details of his order and a notification that his medication is ready for collection. Max can simply visit the pharmacy at his convenience to pick up his medication, bypassing the need to wait in line. This seamless patient journey, facilitated by eScripts and SMS-based authentication, highlights the efficiency and safety of digital healthcare solutions in Germany.
Why SMS is a vital part of digitalisation in healthcare
SMS is vital for the adoption of eScripts due to its broad accessibility, security features, immediate delivery, and user-friendly interface. It ensures that almost all mobile phone users, regardless of device or internet access, can receive important notifications and access their e-prescriptions conveniently. The encryption of SMS messages also facilitates the secure transmission of sensitive health information, safeguarding patient privacy in compliance with stringent data protection regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO).
Moreover, its intuitive and straightforward nature makes SMS easy for patients to interact with, promoting better engagement with e-prescription platforms and enhancing the overall patient experience. The corona pandemic highlighted the need to disseminate crucial public health and safety information, leading to the emergence of E-scripts and SMS as a dependable solution.
SMS becoming a more prominent communication channel in the German healthcare system
Next to e-prescriptions, SMS can serve even more functions within the realm of healthcare, optimizing communication and enhancing patient engagement. Here's how SMS can be utilized:
- Patient care updates: Healthcare providers can send real-time updates to patients regarding appointment reminders, medication instructions, or follow-up care.
- Administrative communications: SMS can be used for administrative purposes such as billing reminders, insurance updates, or policy changes.
- Laboratory results and diagnostics: Patients can receive prompt notifications of their laboratory results or diagnostic reports via SMS, facilitating timely interventions.
- Pharmacy and medication alerts: Pharmacies can notify patients when their prescriptions are ready for pickup or provide dosage reminders through SMS.
- Authentication: Implementing smsTAN (Transaction Authentication Number) via SMS ensures secure authentication for e-prescription transactions, complying with data protection regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO).
- Notifications for health IT: Healthcare IT systems can leverage SMS to deliver alerts for system updates, maintenance notifications, or security breaches.
- Public health and safety information: SMS can disseminate critical public health and safety information, such as health emergencies, vaccination campaigns, or government regulations related to public health.
Using the only SMS supplier in Europe with both ISO 27001 and NEN 7510
Spryng's strength comes from our unrivaled commitment to security. As Europe's sole SMS supplier certified with both ISO 27001 and NEN 7510, we offer the highest levels of data security and confidentiality. This certification demonstrates our commitment to protecting sensitive healthcare information such as in e-prescriptions, establishing us as the leading SMS supplier for healthcare in Western Europe.
Spryng has solidified its position as the top provider for healthcare institutions across Western Europe. Notably, in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium, nearly all hospitals, pharmacies, and healthcare software parties rely on Spryng for essential services such as appointment reminders, e-prescriptions, secure access to healthcare systems and apps, and notifications for pharmacy pickups. These examples illustrate just a fraction of SMS applications within the BeNeLux market, renowned for its forward-thinking approach to digital healthcare systems. With the recent regulations in Germany, Spryng’s footprint is growing faster than ever among German healthcare organisations and software providers.
Are you ready to experience the highest level of security and competence in SMS solutions? Whether you want to optimize e-prescription workflows, improve communication efficiency, uphold compliance, or increase patient involvement, we can help. Create an account, request a quote, or simply contact one of our experts now to learn how we can personalize our solutions to your exact requirements.
