Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) defended the electronic patient record (ePA) in the face of criticism and low adoption rates, outlining a series of improvements intended to make the system more valuable for every insured person.
She emphasized that the ePA remains the central tool for a digital health system. “We will continue to evolve its usability so that it delivers greater benefits for all insured people” Warken said to the “Rheinische Post”. “Beyond the e‑prescription and medication list-which are already integral parts of care-we will integrate e‑referrals, digital initial assessments, and scheduled appointment facilitation. This will make the ePA attractive even for those who don’t have a long medical history”.
Warken announced further steps to simplify access. High security standards will be maintained while the authentication process is streamlined. She also plans to reduce the complexity of the telematics infrastructure itself, thereby improving stability. The Gematik, the agency responsible for health‑tech infrastructure, will gain expanded authority to oversee these changes.
Minister Warken underscored that successful widespread adoption of the ePA requires contributions from all stakeholders, including health insurers and service providers. She called on them to collaborate and support the initiatives.
