Hardly anyone uses this: Less stress at the doctor’s: That’s why the electronic patient file is worthwhile
It has been available since January 2021, but hardly anyone uses its advantages: The electronic patient file (ePA) should make it much easier for you to visit the doctor. But finding the right app is not that easy – here you can find out how it works.
Anyone who has ever had to stay in hospital knows how complicated it can sometimes be: Findings from different doctors, information about previous illnesses, medication and the treatment history have to reach the hospital somehow – this is often still possible by post or fax.
The electronic patient record (ePA) is intended to remedy the situation, with which all this data can be stored digitally and easily shared between the various healthcare departments. In addition to easy availability, user control should also be possible. So you can determine who can see which health data.
Sounds like futuristic music? No, the ePA has been there for a long time. Since
January 1, 2021
all those with statutory health insurance can receive an ePA from their health insurance companies, in which medical findings and information from previous examinations and treatments are stored across practice and hospital boundaries. But hardly anyone uses it so far. How to set up the EHR.
Use patient files in the app
Hardly anyone uses the ePA today. The main reason for this is probably that you have to become active yourself. Politicians are considering changing that and providing everyone with statutory health insurance with an ePA if they do not actively object.
But even the search for the right app can be difficult at the moment. There is not “the one” ePA app. Instead, each health insurance company builds its own version of it.
Before you get lost in the confusion of the AOKs and BKKs in the AppStore, you should look for your health insurance company via the central contact point. There you will find the appropriate links, each for Android mobile phones and smartphones. Install the appropriate app.
Set up electronic patient records
Once installed, start your health insurance company’s ePA app and have your health card ready. Then proceed as follows:
- Register yourself. Various data are requested for this purpose, such as the insurance number and the last 6 digits of the identification number. Both are on the health card.
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Assign a secure password, it is best to use a password manager for this.
- You still have to confirm the specified email address, after which you can register in the app.
- A PIN code is also required for this, which you must assign when you first register. As a rule, however, the apps allow the use of face or fingerprint recognition.
- Now you have to confirm your identity. There are various ways to do this, such as PostIdent or Selfie-Ident. Identification via an NFC-enabled health card is also possible.
If that worked, you can set up the patient file. Usually this is no more than a little finger exercise, where you have to accept data protection settings again. Then confirm again the binding of the ePA to your mobile phone.
Health card has a life-saving function: very few people use it
CHIP
