HealthManagement, Volume 13, Issue 1/2011
An electronic doctor's card scheme was rolled out on 1 February 2011 in the western German state of Rhineland- Pfalz. Doctors in this state have been able to apply for an electronic doctor's card (eArztausweis).
This electronic doctor's card can replace the conventional medical ID card. It contains a microchip that stores the doctor's signature, enabling them to sign electronic documents in a legally valid way, and encrypt and decrypt data to transmit it securely. Contracted doctors can also use the card to make online charges to the medical association for their services.
Professor Dr Frieder Hessenauer, President of the Medical Association of Rhineland-Pfalz, said that the medical associations in Rheinland-Pfalz are the first in Germany to offer such a card to their members.
He added: "The medical associations in Rhineland-Pfalz have done their homework reliably and timely, and set up for their members a completely nonbureaucratic, secure and protected members' area on the website of the district medical association."
With three easy steps doctors can now apply for the electronic doctor's card.
For more information, please visit: www.laek-rlp.de
