ERezept

ERezept stands for elektronisches Rezept and refers to the electronic prescription used in Germany. It replaces the traditional paper prescription and is part of the country’s digital health initiatives coordinated by Gematik and the Telematik-Infrastruktur (TI). A prescribing physician issues the medication order electronically, and the patient can access it via a smartphone app or receive a QR code to present at a participating pharmacy.

Implementation has progressed in phases through pilots and regional rollouts. Participation by physicians, pharmacies, and health insurers varies by region and TI readiness. The goal is to improve patient safety, reduce paperwork and fraud, and simplify medication management for patients, doctors, and pharmacists. The system is designed to work alongside existing pharmacy workflows and electronic health services.

Process and workflow: A doctor creates an eRezept using compatible prescribing software connected to the TI. The prescription is securely transmitted or made accessible to the patient, who can store it in a dedicated app or obtain a QR code. At the pharmacy, the pharmacist retrieves the prescription by scanning the code or accessing it via the TI, verifies the data, and dispenses the medication. The transaction is logged in the system for auditing and follow-up.

Data protection and access: The ERezept uses secure encryption and authentication within the TI to protect patient data. Access requires patient consent and appropriate verification. Information is limited to the necessary medication details, with additional protections for sensitive data. Challenges include technical readiness, user adoption, interoperability, and ensuring access for patients with limited digital resources.

Outlook: The ERezept aims to become the standard method for prescribing medications in Germany, with ongoing integration into broader eHealth services such as the electronic patient record and future enhancements to coverage and features.