What is an e-prescription?

An e-prescription is an electronic prescription that is created and stored digitally. It is the modern version of the pink paper prescription.(1,6)

It can be redeemed at a pharmacy using your health insurance card, an e-prescription app or a paper printout.(2)

E-prescriptions are available to all patients with public health insurance. In some cases, they may also be available to people with private health insurance.(3)

E-prescriptions are currently not available for these medicines and prescriptions(5):

medicines covered by the Narcotics Act (yellow prescription)
therapies such as physiotherapy or speech therapy
medical aids such as walking aids or bandages
digital health applications (DiGAs, digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen)
home nursing care
certain other items such as test strips or dressings

How do e-prescriptions work?

When the doctor prescribes a medicine, an e-prescription is created digitally and securely.(6)
The e-prescription is stored in the e-prescription service. A unique code is generated for each prescription and sent directly to the patient, either via the electronic health card or the e-prescription app.(6)
The e-prescription can be redeemed at a pharmacy that uses the e-prescription service. The prescription code can be accessed using the electronic health card and a card terminal, or shown in the e-prescription app or on a printout.(6,7)

What are the benefits of e-prescriptions?

E-prescriptions offer a range of benefits(8):

Less administrative effort: prescriptions cannot be lost, and there is less printing and paperwork.
Repeat prescriptions without visiting the practice: Contact the practice, for example via Patient Requests in the Doctolib app. If your electronic health card has already been read by the practice in the current billing quarter, the repeat prescription can be sent digitally to your electronic health card or e-prescription app.
Avoid unnecessary trips to the pharmacy: the e-prescription can be sent to the pharmacy of your choice via the e-prescription app. Medicines can be pre-ordered so they are in stock when you collect them, or delivered to your home.
Manage e-prescriptions for family members too: with the gematik e-prescription app, you can also manage and redeem e-prescriptions for family members or other people using the family feature.
Data security: e-prescriptions are stored securely in the e-prescription service. Data is transmitted through multiple layers of encryption.

After some initial challenges, the electronic prescription offers clear benefits: prescriptions can no longer be lost, and medical practices can make changes quickly when needed.

Dr. rer. nat. Swanhild Leyke-Röhling, owner of Erasmus Pharmacy (Erasmus Apotheke), near Hohenzollerndamm S-Bahn station in Berlin

What technical requirements do I need to use an e-prescription app?

To use an e-prescription app, you need an NFC-enabled health card and an NFC-enabled smartphone. You can check whether your card is NFC-enabled by looking for the six-digit number in the top right-hand corner on the front of the card or the wireless symbol. You will also need a PIN, which your health insurer will send to you by post.(6)

E-prescriptions with Doctolib

In the Doctolib app, you can use the Video Consultation and Patient Requests features. Among other things, these allow you to request repeat prescriptions from your practice in just a few clicks. This means you no longer need to visit the practice in person.

How do I get a repeat prescription with the Doctolib app?

To request a repeat prescription, you can either send your doctor a request using the Patient Requests feature or book a video consultation. Your practice will inform you as soon as your e-prescription is ready and you can redeem it at the pharmacy using your health insurance card.

The Patient Requests feature is not yet available at every practice. If your practice offers it, you will find it on the practice profile. You cannot use this feature to book appointments. To book an appointment, please use the standard online booking option in the Doctolib app or on doctolib.de.

The information provided is for general information only and must not be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis or treatment by a doctor. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are strongly discouraged.