E-prescription is now mandatory: Do you now need an app to visit the doctor?

• From the beginning of 2024, prescriptions for pharmacy-only medications will only be issued as e-prescriptions.
• The prescription is saved on the patient’s electronic health card (eGK) or in the e-prescription app.
• You don’t necessarily have to install the app on your phone.

The change was announced years ago, but now it is finally a reality: as of January 1, 2024, classic prescriptions will no longer be issued. Anyone who receives medication prescribed by a doctor receives it upon presentation of the so-called e-prescription.

The new e-prescription replaces the previously common expressions on red, blue and green prescription slips. Patients do not have to register, install an app or do anything else. The prescription is issued digitally by the treating doctor, signed and stored in a central system. It can then be redeemed at a pharmacy of your choice.

What is the e-prescription and how does it work?

You have three options to redeem the e-prescription: Firstly, you can use your electronic health card (eGK), which will be issued free of charge by all health insurance companies together with a PIN from mid-2023 and will replace your current health card. You can tell that your health card is an eGK by the NFC symbol at the top left and the label “G 2.1”. If an e-prescription has been issued for you, it is automatically saved on the eGK – all you have to do is go to the pharmacy, show the card and your medication will be handed out straight away.

The second option is the e-prescription app, which is available free of charge in the two app stores. The prerequisite for using the app is that your smartphone is NFC-capable and at least Android 7 or iOS 15 is installed. To register in the app, you also need your electronic health card with the corresponding PIN or a health app from your health insurance company.