Electronic health records (ePA) and e-prescriptions in Germany

The digitalization of the German healthcare system has picked up speed in recent years: People with public (“statutory”) health insurance have the option of using electronic health records (elektronische Patientenakte, or ePA). That way, documents like medical findings and doctor’s reports can be kept together in one place. Prescription medications are mostly prescribed electronically now, too.
The use of electronic health records started in 2021 on a voluntary basis. As of January 2025, these records are gradually being generated automatically for everyone who has public health insurance in Germany. A number of private health insurers offer this option too.
The goal of the ePA is to improve medical care by making it easier to access important health-related information at any time. The current version doesn't yet include all of the features planned for it – these are still being added step by step. Doctors' practices, psychotherapy practices, hospitals and other healthcare providers are also still preparing to routinely save medical findings, doctor’s letters, treatment plans and other medical documents there.
The use of the ePA remains voluntary and free of charge for all insured people. If you don’t want to have an ePA, you can opt out by letting your health insurer know. You can also determine which information is to be saved there and who is allowed to access it.
Since January 2024, prescription-only medications have mostly been prescribed electronically in the form of e-prescriptions. Known as an E-Rezept in German, these have largely replaced the pink-colored paper slips. E-prescriptions can be handed in using your electronic health insurance card (EHIC), a smartphone app, or in the form of a paper printout. Some private health insurers also issue e-prescriptions.