ePrescription

The so-called ePrescription (German eRezept) has been mandatory since 1 January 2024.

The ePrescription is the digital version of the familiar paper-based red prescription and replaces it for most prescriptions. As the process of issuing a prescription is now changing not only for doctors and pharmacists but also for you, here is some information on this.

Issue of an ePrescription

The entire process of issuing an ePrescription is not (yet) practical. Whereas medical assistants used to print out the prescription for you, the doctor checked and signed several prescriptions at once between two patients so that you could take your prescription with you. Today, the e-prescription has to be "signed", which is the digital equivalent of a signature.

Due to the technology, this process can take up to 30 seconds per prescription. It does not sound like a lot of time, but in total, signing many prescriptions at once leads to considerable disruptions in the practice workflow and unnecessary waiting times for patients !

To issue the first prescription in the quarter, the health card must be available. To avoid unnecessary waiting times for follow-up prescriptions, we ask you to order regularly required prescriptions at least one day in advance.

Redeeming the ePrescription

The ePrescription can be redeemed in three different ways:

1. By health card

   You present your health card at the pharmacy, where it is scanned and the pharmacy gives you the medication.

   This is the easiest way for patients who collect their medication themselves.

2. Per printout

   You present the printout of the e-prescription to the pharmacy, which is scanned there and you receive the medication.

   However, you will only receive a printout from us if you are collecting medication for someone else, as the paper form contradicts the basic idea of the ePrescription and consumes unnecessary resources (electricity, paper, toner etc.) if you collect it yourself.

3. Via ePrescription app

   You present your mobile phone to the pharmacy with the QR code of the e-prescription, which is scanned there and you receive the medication.

   If you have any questions about using the app on your mobile phone, please contact your health insurance provider.

An information sheet from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians on redeeming the ePrescription, including links to download the ePrescription app, can be found here (German only).