Object to the ePA: You have these options

The new digital law provides for an Electronic Patient Record (ePA) for all insured persons automatically from 2025. If you do not want an ePA, you can opt out at any time. In this article, we explain what the opt-out procedure means, how it works and what steps you need to take to object to the creation of an ePA.

The ePA enables insured persons to store and manage their health data digitally. Doctors and other medical staff can access this information quickly and comprehensively in the context of treatment, which is particularly useful in emergencies. Insured persons always have full control over their Electronic Patient record (ePA): they decide what information is uploaded and who is authorised to access it.

The opt-out procedure means that consent to use the Electronic Patient Record (ePA) is assumed unless the insured person actively objects. This facilitates access to the electronic health record and ensures that as many people as possible benefit from the advantages of a centralised and digital health record. Use of the Electronic Patient Record (ePA) therefore remains voluntary and insured persons can decide at any time not to use the electronic health record or to have an existing record deleted. If an Electronic Patient Record (ePA) is desired at a later date, a new record can be created at any time. The regulations apply uniformly to all health insurance funds thanks to the Digital Act.

Since the law came into force, insured persons can already informally object to the creation of an ePA. However, we recommend waiting for the separate information letter that will be sent out by the AOK from summer 2024. This will be accompanied by a convenient online objection form. You can object to the initial setup of an ePA within six weeks of receiving the information letter. However, the ePA can also be closed at your request at any time after this period has expired. In this case, all stored data will be deleted.

Insured persons can not only object to the creation of an Electronic Patient Record (ePA), but also restrict or prevent access to their Electronic Patient Record (ePA) by certain service providers. Even after the ePA has been set up, patients determine which documents may be uploaded to the ePA by service providers. This permanent sovereignty over the use of the data always remains part of the Electronic Patient Record (ePA). It is regulated in more detail in the Digital Act. 

An objection to the ePA has no negative impact on general healthcare. Without an ePA, doctors and other healthcare providers can access your health data in the traditional way. Read more about the advantages of the Electronic Patient Record (ePA) and why we recommend it to our policyholders here.  

Would you like to object to the ePA? You can find the objection formhere. 

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