More red tape due to digitalization?

Projects from the field showed how the switch to paperless systems can succeed and provide real added value for those involved. Prof. Dr. Jan Appel, an IT business specialist from the IU University of Applied Sciences and head of Research & Analytics at the Borchers & Kollegen management consultancy, addressed the question of how to reconcile the increasing regulatory pressure with digitalization and a pragmatic interpretation of the law. He called for a differentiated view of bureaucracy and digitalization. Regulation is one answer to the uncertainties associated with new technologies, he said. A distinction must be made between this and the digitalization of processes, which are often slowed down by a lack of standardization and unclear responsibilities. Courage and pragmatism are good companions for meeting regulatory requirements. In many application examples, digitalization leads to process optimization. For the future, he sees the greatest challenge in the interoperability of systems. Otherwise, a great deal of innovation potential will be wasted.

Simplified billing

Torben Kleese and Dr. Dr. Thomas Rosog from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) in Rhineland-Palatinate provided a practical example. They have jointly converted the digital billing system: instead of submitting all performance data at the end of the quarter, participating practices can continuously upload their billing data and have it checked digitally. This means that their fees are available immediately, errors can be spotted more quickly and corrected promptly. The reduced processing time creates massive added value for doctors, and the efficiency is increased. Most importantly, the practices did not have to change their IT systems. The next step is to use a cloud.

Michael Martinet, Head of Digital Supplier Management at DAK Gesundheit, presented a pilot project for reducing bureaucracy in the field of medical aids. An association of seven statutory health insurance companies has digitized the prescription of orthopedic medical aids, a project that Gematik does not plan to implement for several year. The joint project provides a blueprint for this, according to Martinet. Paperless billing and prescriptions bring noticeable benefits for those involved, especially since a prescription assistant integrated into the patient care system and a digital signature have been included. Close cooperation with practices and providers of medical aids in paperless billing has led to greater acceptance. He called for a rethink and more trust among each other.