How do I get an app on prescription?
When the law comes into force, around 73 million people insured with statutory health insurance will be entitled to receive digital medical devices.
As part of the implementation of the so-called Digitalization Act of December 2019, doctors and psychotherapists can prescribe the apps to their patients. The health insurance company will then cover the costs. However, this only applies to apps that have been certified accordingly. As a result, the range is still small at present. You can find out which apps are available for prescription in the DiGA directory.
Prescription from a doctor or therapist
Doctors and psychotherapists can prescribe apps from this directory. They issue the patient with a prescription for the digital application. The patient submits this prescription to their health insurance provider and receives a code with which they can download the app free of charge.
Apply directly to the health insurance company
You can also apply for the app directly from the health insurance fund without a doctor’s prescription. In this case, however, you must prove that the app is appropriate for your symptoms by providing treatment records, diagnoses or similar. A doctor’s certificate is then not required. It is best to find out in advance from your health insurance provider.
What requirements must an app on prescription fulfill?
Exclusion of risks
Every digital health application must undergo and pass a test procedure at the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) in order to be included in the directory of reimbursable digital health applications (DiGA directory).
Among other things, it is checked whether the app could pose a health risk to the user and whether the app actually has a medical benefit. Data protection and user-friendliness are also put to the test.
Medical benefit
Not every app that is advertised as a health app makes it into the directory. In order to be included in the DiGA catalog, the application must
- recognition
- monitoring
- treatment
- alleviation
- or compensation
of illnesses, injuries or disabilities. This directory summarizes the most important information on the application for doctors, psychotherapists and patients.
Ease of use
The apps must also be easy to use and free of advertising. Personal data may not be used for advertising purposes. All medical information must comply with current professional standards.
App developers must apply for inclusion in the directory. The assessment period by the BfArM is up to three months.
Which health apps are covered by health insurance?
Patients can find out which apps are already covered by health insurance companies in the directory of reimbursable digital health applications (DiGA directory). So far (as of October 2020), only two apps are listed there on prescription: one to support therapy for tinnitus and another to manage generalized anxiety disorders.
A further 21 applications are currently being tested. The BfArM has held consultations with the manufacturers for a further 75 or so applications. The range of apps offered by doctors is thus gradually being expanded.
Is your health data secure?
Data protection and data security are top priorities in the BfArM’s review. This is because health data is considered sensitive personal data and is subject to special protection. Every app on prescription must meet all the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Health Applications Ordinance (DiGAV).
This means that the app must not continue to store personal data after the end of the application. The GDPR explicitly stipulates that this sensitive data must be deleted. If the manufacturer violates the regulation, they may be removed from the register and fined.
The apps listed in the directory therefore offer a certain standard of quality. Nevertheless, you should discuss with your doctor exactly whether and which app can be helpful in your individual case and which sensitive data the application actually requires for your therapy.
