Electronic Patient Record (ePA) now mandatory in Germany from Oct 1, 2025
As of 1 October 2025, doctors’ practices, hospitals and pharmacies in Germany are required to use the electronic patient record (elektronische Patientenakte, ePA). The ePA is a central digital file intended to make it easier to share medical information between treating institutions and to avoid unnecessary duplicate examinations.
What the ePA can contain
- Medical findings and reports
- Laboratory results
- Diagnoses
- Medication plans
- X‑rays and other medical images
Statutorily insured patients will be provided the ePA automatically (unless they object).
About the “95 apps” claim
Some coverage referenced “95 individual apps”. Official sources (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, KBV) do not confirm that there are 95 separate apps required. Coverage appears to vary by publisher; no reliable public confirmation of an exact “95 apps” figure was found in the official documentation.
Sources
- Bundesministerium für Gesundheit: Die ePA für alle
- Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung: Elektronische Patientenakte
- WirtschaftsWoche coverage
Questions or concerns about data privacy, access control or how the ePA will be used in your care? Share your thoughts in the comments.