E-Prescriptions in Physical Therapy: Your Complete Guide

Jul 8, 2025

|

Last updated:

Jul 8, 2025

4 MIN READ

Reviewed by:

Jesaja Brinkmann

Founder & CEO, Somana

Medical studies at University of Würzburg and Hamburg; Research at Harvard Medical School.

Healthcare is going digital, and physiotherapy is next in line. Following the successful rollout of e-prescriptions for medications, electronic prescriptions for therapeutic services are on the horizon. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the upcoming changes, what they mean for you, and how to make the most of this digital transformation.

E-Prescriptions in Physical Therapy: Your Complete Guide

Jul 8, 2025

|

Last updated:

Jul 8, 2025

4 MIN READ

Reviewed by:

Jesaja Brinkmann

Founder & CEO, Somana

Medical studies at University of Würzburg and Hamburg; Research at Harvard Medical School.

Healthcare is going digital, and physiotherapy is next in line. Following the successful rollout of e-prescriptions for medications, electronic prescriptions for therapeutic services are on the horizon. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the upcoming changes, what they mean for you, and how to make the most of this digital transformation.

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.

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