Access to Findings, Diagnoses, and Care Data via App - Germany's EHR system gives patients instant access to medical records via insurer apps

Insured individuals in Germany can now access their medical records more easily through an electronic health record (EHR) system. The platform allows patients to view diagnoses, treatment reports, and other health data via their health insurer's app store. Over 4.6 million people have already requested their health ID to use this service.

The EHR stores essential details about a patient's medical history, including past diagnoses and treatment reports. Doctors generate and upload this information electronically, ensuring it remains up to date. Patients can also add extra documents, such as electronic sick notes, care records, or advance healthcare directives, if they choose.

Later this year, doctors will gain access to a full-text search feature for EHRs, making it easier to find specific patient details. Meanwhile, health insurance app store apps will introduce push notifications this autumn to alert users when new documents or updates appear in their records.

AOK Hessen has highlighted the system's flexibility, noting that patients can access their records anytime and anywhere through their insurer's app store. While many statutory health insurance providers offer their own apps for EHR access, the exact number of available apps has not been specified.

The EHR system continues to expand, with new features like push notifications and full-text search coming soon. Around 4.6 million insured individuals have already activated their health ID to use the service. The updates aim to improve accessibility and keep patients better informed about their medical records.