Berlin, July 10, 2019. Cabinet approves draft Digital Healthcare Act – Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn: “Digital healthcare is patient-friendly”

Apps on prescription, attractive offers for online consultations, and the ability to access the secure healthcare data network throughout treatment – ​​all this is made possible by the "Act for Better Healthcare through Digitalization and Innovation" (Digital Healthcare Act – DVG). The draft legislation was approved by the Federal Cabinet today.

Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn explained: “We are using digital services to improve patient care and make the work of doctors easier. Patients should be able to rely on digital applications and useful apps being integrated into their care quickly and securely. Therefore, starting in 2020, patients will have access to health-related apps on prescription. Furthermore, pharmacies and hospitals will also be connected to the telematics infrastructure in the future. Midwives, physiotherapists, and nursing staff will also have this opportunity. I am convinced: Digital healthcare is patient-friendly.”

Key contents of the Digital Healthcare Act:

  • Doctors will soon be able to prescribe digital applications, such as diaries for diabetics or apps for people with high blood pressure. To enable patients to use these apps quickly, a streamlined approval process is being created for manufacturers. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) will initially assess the safety, functionality, quality, data protection, and data security of the products. They will then be reimbursed by health insurance companies for one year. During this period, the manufacturer must demonstrate that the app improves patient care.
  • Patients should be able to rely on their doctors and other healthcare providers being connected to the telematics infrastructure (TI). Pharmacies must connect by the end of September 2020, and hospitals by January 2021. For doctors who still do not connect, the fee deduction will increase from the current 1% to 2.5% as of March 1, 2020. Midwives, physiotherapists, and nursing facilities can connect to the TI voluntarily. The costs for this will be reimbursed.
  • Patients should find it easier to locate doctors who offer online consultations. Therefore, doctors will now be allowed to provide information about such services on their websites. Explanations regarding video consultations can now also be provided during the video consultation itself.
  • Paperwork in the healthcare system is being replaced by digital solutions. Currently, doctors receive more money for sending a fax than for sending an electronic medical letter. The self-governing bodies are tasked with changing this. Furthermore, doctors will have more opportunities to communicate electronically with colleagues. Those wishing to voluntarily join a statutory health insurance fund will also be able to do so electronically. In addition, prescriptions for medical aids and assistive devices will soon be able to be issued electronically.
  • Patients should benefit from innovative care approaches as quickly as possible. Therefore, the innovation fund will be extended for five years with €200 million annually. Successful approaches should be implemented quickly in patient care.

The Federal Council does not need to approve the draft law. The law is scheduled to come into force in January 2020.

The migraine app is already available for free

The migraine app developed by the Kiel Pain Clinic and the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company is a certified medical device. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in a scientific analysis of the treatment behavior of migraine and headache patients using digital therapy support. The data are published in "Der Schmerz" (Pain) . This is the first scientific publication in Germany on the use of a digital application for migraine and headaches. The data show that digital monitoring of progress and success is relevant and established for medical treatment decisions in practice. This comprehensive study provides the first empirical evidence that the health behavior of migraine and headache patients is significantly improved by an app. Furthermore, it also increases treatment adherence and effectiveness through self-monitoring, knowledge, training, and the development of patients' skills. Digital therapy support is correlated with a significant reduction in headache days and medication intake per month. Complications such as medication overuse headache can be reduced. This has positive effects on quality of life, productivity, and overall societal costs. The app does not require a prescription for reimbursement. It is available free of charge for Android, iOS, and Apple Watch in the app stores.

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