What Are E-Prescriptions for Therapeutic Services?
E-prescriptions are replacing the traditional paper-based prescription forms (Muster 13) with a fully digital solution:
Digital creation: Your doctor creates and signs prescriptions electronically through their practice software
Secure transmission: Prescriptions are encrypted and stored in Germany's secure healthcare infrastructure (Telematikinfrastruktur/TI)
Easy retrieval: You'll receive a QR code or digital token to redeem your prescription
Important note: As of January 2025, e-prescriptions for therapeutic services aren't available yet. The mandatory rollout is scheduled for January 1, 2027. Until then, you'll continue receiving traditional paper prescriptions.
Paper vs. Digital: A Quick Comparison
Feature | Paper Prescription (current) | E-Prescription (from 2027) |
Format | Pink form (Muster 13) | Digital prescription |
Transfer method | Physical handover | QR code or app |
Security | Limited | Highly secure with encryption |
Readability | Depends on handwriting | Always clear and legible |
Storage | Paper filing | Digital archive |
Timeline: Key Dates to Remember
The transition is happening in stages:
2024: E-prescriptions for medications already mandatory
January 1, 2026: All physiotherapy practices must connect to the TI infrastructure
January 1, 2027: Electronic prescriptions for therapeutic services become mandatory
Through end of 2026: Transition period with paper prescriptions
Practices should use this transition period to prepare both technically and organizationally.
How E-Prescriptions Work in Practice
The process is surprisingly straightforward:
1. Getting Your Prescription
Your doctor creates the prescription digitally
It's securely stored in the TI system
You receive a QR code (printed or via app)
2. Redeeming at Your Physiotherapy Practice
Present your electronic health card (eGK) or QR code
The practice software automatically retrieves your prescription
Your prescription is linked to your treatment file
3. Confirming Your Treatment
Digital signature replaces paper forms
Electronic documentation of each session
Automated billing with insurance companies
Benefits at a Glance
E-prescriptions offer significant improvements for everyone involved:
For Patients
Time savings: No extra trips for follow-up prescriptions
Transparency: Always know what's been prescribed
Convenience: Can't lose a digital prescription
Environmental impact: Significant paper reduction
For Practices
Efficiency: Automated processes reduce admin work
Error reduction: No more illegible prescriptions
Direct communication: Questions to doctors handled through TI
Legal security: Tamper-proof digital signatures
Technical Requirements for Physiotherapy Practices
Practices need the following components for the transition:
Hardware
Connector: Secure router for TI connection
Card reader: For reading health insurance cards
Modern IT setup: Current computers and stable internet
Software and Credentials
Practice management software: With e-prescription functionality
Electronic healthcare professional card (eHBA): For authentication
Institution card (SMC-B): For practice identification
Financing
Most costs are covered by health insurance:
Subsidies for TI connection
Hardware cost reimbursement
Ongoing operational cost support
Common Patient Questions
Will this cost me extra?
No. The digital transition is fully funded through the healthcare system. Your co-payments remain unchanged.
Do I need a smartphone?
A smartphone isn't required. You have three options:
Printed QR code from your doctor
E-prescription app (optional)
Redemption with your health card
What happens if the technology fails?
There are established backup procedures:
Temporary paper vouchers as fallback
Digital prescription can be submitted later
Trained practice staff to help
How secure is my health data?
E-prescriptions use the highest security standards:
End-to-end encryption
Two-key principle (eGK + eHBA)
Regular security audits
GDPR-compliant data protection
Looking Ahead: Tips and Recommendations
The introduction of e-prescriptions for therapeutic services marks a significant step in healthcare digitalization. Here's how to prepare:
For Patients
Ask your physiotherapy practice about their preparation status
Consider trying your health insurance's e-prescription app now
Keep your health card PIN safe and accessible
For Practices
Start the TI connection process early
Train your staff well in advance
Take advantage of test phases and pilot programs
Communicate actively with patients about changes
The Bottom Line
E-prescriptions will modernize physiotherapy in meaningful ways. Despite the technical changes, patient care remains the priority. Digital tools aren't replacing human touch—they're reducing paperwork so therapists can spend more time on what matters: helping you get better.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask your physiotherapy practice or health insurance provider. Together, we're shaping the future of digital healthcare.
