The electronic patient file (ePA) can now be used throughout Germany. With the ePA, you always have your medical data with you – without any paper. If you don’t want this, you can object at any time.
+++ The use of the ePA via a stationary device (desktop PC) is possible again. You can find more information about this here: epaclient.de +++ The “TI Messenger” is now also available. As it is integrated directly into the ePA app, its use is linked to the use of the ePA app. However, this does not require the use of the ePA. +++
This is an ePA
The electronic patient file (ePA) is the central storage location for your health data. It is located on a virtual memory in the telematics infrastructure, the nationwide network for secure data transfer in the healthcare sector.
The ePA can only be accessed by authorized doctors and hospitals in addition to the owner. Treatment documents and data are stored in it by doctors so that they can exchange information. This is because health data is among the most sensitive and most worthy of protection of all. That is why data security is the top priority. The data is encrypted several times in the telematics infrastructure. It is therefore impossible for other unauthorized persons to access it – this also applies to us health insurance companies!
From January 15, 2025, the ePA was initially tested in the model regions. It has been rolled out across Germany since April 29.
However, the “ePA for all” is already available as an app for personal use to all insured persons who have not objected to its use.
Functions
- Document management: electronic doctor’s letters, discharge letters, diagnostic reports, laboratory findings and image findings can be stored as PDF files and information on medication in the form of a medication list. Large files such as MRI images cannot yet be stored.
- Billing data: once authorized by BKK W&F, users automatically receive access to their billing data in the form of a patient receipt
- Store emergency data: Your emergency data can be stored in the electronic patient file (ePA). As soon as you have given your doctor authorization for the ePA, they can store the following information for you.
- Retrieving e-prescriptions: Ask your doctor to store copies of your e-prescriptions in your ePA. Advantage: You always have them to hand, wherever you are.
- Dental bonus booklet: The electronic dental bonus booklet (e-Zahnbonusheft) is the modern version of the classic bonus booklet and therefore part of the ePA.
- Vaccination record: The electronic vaccination record or e-vaccination record is the modern version of the classic vaccination record and therefore part of the electronic patient file.
- Maternity pass: The electronic maternity pass or e-maternity pass is the modern version of the classic maternity pass.
- Child examination booklet: The electronic child examination booklet (eU booklet) is the modern version of the classic U booklet (yellow booklet) and therefore part of the electronic patient file.
- Interface to the organ donor register for submitting a declaration on organ donation organ donation
- Interface to the national health portal: Don’t know what the diagnosis code on your sick note means? Would you like to find out more about an illness and your treatment options? The National Health Portal can help you.
- Interface to the BKK W&F online office (both apps will be merged into one app in 2026)
- Interface to the TI-Messenger ePA (service for messages from insured persons to service providers)
Objecting to an EPA
You can send us an informal objection at any time, for example using the following online form:
Types of opposition
Objection to the general establishment of an ePA*
No EPA will be created for you. If your objection is received after the 6-week period within the scope of the initial creation, the ePA created and the data in it will be irrevocably deleted.
OR
Objection to access to the ePA by a service provider organization*
Until revocation, the service provider facility concerned cannot access the data in your ePA and therefore cannot read or enter any data in the ePA. Data already downloaded by the service provider institution
remains available in the institution’s treatment documentation.
Objection to the posting of documents in a treatment situation by a service provider facility
The service provider institution does not enter the data affected by the objection in the EPR. The information is therefore not available in your EPR for you and other service providers.
Objection to the posting of data on services used
Your health insurance company does not enter any data on the services you have used in the ePA.
Objection to the medical use cases of the ePA*
The use of the respective use case is not possible. Detailed information on the effects of the objection can be found in section 7 of the mandatory information.
Objection to the use of EPO data for research purposes**
The use of the EPR data for research purposes is no longer permitted, either in its entirety or for the specified purposes. The data transmitted prior to the objection and already used for specific research projects may continue to be processed for these research projects. Further information can be found in section 12 of the mandatory information.
* If you change health insurance provider, your previous health insurance provider will transfer the objection information to your new health insurance provider.
** As of July 15, 2025, your health insurance company will transfer the objection information to the new health insurance company.
Revocation of an objection
You have objected to the creation of an EPA and would like to revoke this objection?
Types of opposition
Objection to the general establishment of an ePA*
No EPA will be created for you. If your objection is received after the 6-week period within the scope of the initial creation, the ePA created and the data in it will be irrevocably deleted.
OR
Objection to access to the ePA by a service provider organization*
Until revocation, the service provider facility concerned cannot access the data in your ePA and therefore cannot read or enter any data in the ePA. Data already downloaded by the service provider institution
remains available in the institution’s treatment documentation.
Objection to the posting of documents in a treatment situation by a service provider facility
The service provider institution does not enter the data affected by the objection in the EPR. The information is therefore not available in your EPR for you and other service providers.
Objection to the posting of data on services used
Your health insurance company does not enter any data on the services you have used in the ePA.
Objection to the medical use cases of the ePA*
The use of the respective use case is not possible. Detailed information on the effects of the objection can be found in section 7 of the mandatory information.
Objection to the use of EPO data for research purposes**
The use of the EPR data for research purposes is no longer permitted, either in its entirety or for the specified purposes. The data transmitted prior to the objection and already used for specific research projects may continue to be processed for these research projects. Further information can be found in section 12 of the mandatory information.
* If you change health insurance provider, your previous health insurance provider will transfer the objection information to your new health insurance provider.
** As of July 15, 2025, your health insurance company will transfer the objection information to the new health insurance company.
Legal information on the ePA
The information compiled by the legislator on the electronic patient file in accordance with Section 343 SGB V for 2025 can be downloaded below:
[Download not found]This information is also available for download in plain language here.
The Electronic Patient Record – Information for Patients in Plain LanguageYou are currently seeing a placeholder content of Onlim ePA Chatbot. To access the actual content, click on the button below. Please note that data will be passed on to third-party providers.
Further information
