E-prescription in Saxony: positive interim results despite isolated problems

According to the Saxon Pharmacists' Association, the mandatory electronic prescription introduced at the turn of the year is working "well so far". "Doctors' surgeries are making better and better progress with issuing e-prescriptions," the association's chairman, Reinhard Groß, told the German Press Agency. Initial difficulties, such as the delayed release of prescriptions by signature, are therefore occurring less and less frequently. However, there are still occasional problems with server failures on the health insurance provider's side.

Occasional problems

In addition, there may currently still be problems when reading electronic health cards. This means that problems are possible when redeeming e-prescriptions with the electronic health card. "The problems usually occur for a few minutes on the hour," explained Groß. Inserting the insurance card several times or trying again after a few minutes can solve the problem in the meantime. Those affected include those insured with some AOK health insurance funds, the Hanseatische Krankenkasse and Barmer. Their service providers are trying to rectify the cause as quickly as possible.

Health insurance companies draw a positive interim balance

According to AOK Plus, its policyholders in Saxony and Thuringia had already redeemed more than 2.8 million e-prescriptions by the end of January. Compared to December, the number of electronic prescriptions billed almost quadrupled in the first month of the year. "The majority of patients are accepting the procedure," said Rainer Striebel, CEO of AOK Plus. Pharmacies across the country have adapted to it and most doctors' surgeries are now also implementing it without any problems.

Monika Welfens, Head of Barmer, also welcomed the introduction of paperless prescriptions. "Digital applications such as the e-prescription have the potential to improve health management and the care of our insured patients." More than two months after the mandatory introduction of the e-prescription, Barmer can draw a positive interim balance. Launching a complex system with so many players and components was a major challenge. Despite the expected teething troubles and occasional disruptions, everyone involved has mastered the challenge well so far.