Introduction of DVPMG law
On 9 June 2021, the law on the digital modernization of care (DVPMG) came into force. The key aims of the law are to:
- Improve the quality and availability of care
- Simplify processes like prescribing medication and documentation
- Increase patient knowledge and understanding
- Ensure data security
The new DVMPG affects existing legislation, which will be amended so that
- Digital health and care applications are reimbursed by SHI funds,
- The data of patients areintegrated into the electronic patient file (EPR),
- Telemedicine, in particular video consultation hours and other digital communication between caregivers and those being cared for, is made possible and promoted.
Changes to remedial treatments directive
Until now, remedial treatments such as speech or occupational therapies had to be delivered in a clinician’s office or at patients’ homes. But in October 2021, as a consequence of the DVPMG coming into force, the G-BA revised its directive for remedial treatments (HeilM-RL). These changes will also allow these therapies to be delivered through a video call. The GKV-SV and the organizations offering remedial treatments will define by the end of 2021 exactly which therapies are included.