Gesundheitskarte

The Gesundheitskarte, also known as the electronic health card or eGK, is a health insurance card used in Germany. It serves as a modern replacement for older paper prescription forms and health insurance documents. The card contains important personal and insurance information, such as the holder's name, date of birth, and insurance provider.

The primary purpose of the Gesundheitskarte is to streamline healthcare access and data management. When visiting a doctor or other healthcare professional, the card is presented to verify the patient's insurance coverage. This allows for direct billing between the provider and the health insurance company.

Beyond basic identification, the Gesundheitskarte can store medical data. With the patient's explicit consent, physicians can record information like current medications, allergies, and chronic illnesses. This creates a more comprehensive medical history accessible to authorized healthcare providers, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment, especially in emergencies.

The card also facilitates electronic prescriptions, meaning a doctor can send a prescription directly to a pharmacy. This eliminates the need for paper prescriptions and reduces the risk of loss or error. Security measures are in place to protect the sensitive personal and medical data stored on the card, including encryption and secure access protocols. The Gesundheitskarte is a key component of Germany's digital healthcare strategy.