The German Roentgen Society (DRG) has highlighted that the test phase of a new electronic patient record (ePA) started on January 15 in Hamburg and Franconia, with a nationwide rollout planned for mid-February.
“The introduction of the ePA marks a significant step in the digitization of the healthcare system,” the DRG said in a news release.
Currently, delays in the exchange of image data often lead to unnecessary duplicate examinations, costs, and additional radiation exposure, the organization noted.
The ePA is initially being introduced with a basic range of functions and will be successively developed to better meet the needs of users. An objection procedure ensures that an ePA is automatically created for all those with statutory health insurance unless an objection is filed, the DRG said.
The next steps include enabling the digital exchange of image data in DICOM format via the ePA, linking image and diagnostic data, and implementing pilot projects for secure transmission between medical facilities, the DRG noted.
