Electronic files to triumph, thanks to TK's straightforward identification strategy

Electronic files to triumph, thanks to TK's straightforward identification strategy

Techniker Krankenkasse Simplifies Access to Electronic Patient Records with TK-Ident App

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is making strides in digital healthcare by introducing the TK-Ident app, a solution designed to streamline access to electronic patient records (ePA) via smartphones. This move aims to provide users with a convenient and secure method of logging into digital health applications without the need for their physical health card [1].

The identification process is secure and legally compliant, relying on the online identification function of the German ID card or health card with PIN. This ensures that users can maintain their security by periodically repeating the identification process [1].

With TK-Ident, users can manage consents, approvals, and registered devices within the app, giving them greater control over sensitive health data like the electronic patient file stored in TK-Safe. The app's security concept is continually being developed to balance strict legal requirements with a smooth customer experience [1].

Recent statistics show that 70 million of TK's approximately 74 million insured persons have received an ePA from their health insurance company. Among these, 11 million e-records have been set up by TK, with around 750,000 insured persons actively using them weekly [1].

However, the everyday use of the ePA, where doctors enter treatment data into the ePA, is being gradually expanded. Currently, around 70,000 insured persons from Techniker Krankenkasse log in to the ePA weekly [1].

CEO Jens Baas of Techniker Krankenkasse is driving this initiative to make access to the ePA easier. He suggests a video identification procedure as a potential solution, which would be completely digital, PIN-free, and familiar to many customers from online banking [1].

The ePA is a valuable tool in supporting treatment by storing a patient's medical information in one place. It automatically collects findings, laboratory results, or prescriptions, making them readily available for treatment when needed. Other health insurance companies like AOK and Barmer have also set up significant numbers of ePAs, with active users numbering in the hundreds of thousands [1].

It's important to note that the use of the ePA is voluntary for patients, but they must take action to control their data visibility. While many insured persons are not yet actively using the ePA, the trend is moving towards greater adoption as the benefits of digital healthcare become more apparent.

The legal framework conditions would need to be changed for the video identification procedure to be implemented, but TK is working towards making digital identification more accessible and secure for all its users.

[1] Source: Techniker Krankenkasse press release, date unknown.

1. The community institution, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), is revolutionizing digital healthcare with the TK-Ident app, aimed at simplifying ePA access via smartphones.
2. This app solution serves as an alternative to the physical health card for logging into digital health applications.
3. The identification process is secure and compliant, relying on the online identification function of the German ID card or health card with PIN.
4. Users can control their health data within the app, managing consents, approvals, and registered devices.
5. The security concept of the TK-Ident app is subject to continual development, balancing legal requirements and customer experience.
6. Statistics show that 70 million of TK's 74 million insured persons have received an ePA, with 11 million e-records set up and around 750,000 weekly active users.
7. The ePA supporting treatment by storing medical information in one place, with findings, laboratory results, and prescriptions automatically collected.
8. Other institution of the place of residence, like AOK and Barmer, have also set up significant numbers of ePAs, with active users in the hundreds of thousands.
9. The use of the ePA is voluntary for patients, but they must take action to control data visibility.
10. While many insured persons are not yet actively using the ePA, the trend is moving towards greater adoption as digital healthcare benefits become more apparent.
11. CEO Jens Baas suggests a video identification procedure – digital, PIN-free, and familiar to online banking customers – as a potential solution for easier ePA access.
12. The legal framework conditions would need to be changed for the video identification procedure to be implemented.
13. TK is working towards making digital identification more accessible and secure for all its users.
14. The ePA provides a platform for vocational training in the healthcare sector, featuring medical-conditions data related to chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive-health, eye-health, hearing, mental-health, men's-health, and women's-health.
15. Therapies-and-treatments and nutrition consultations can be conducted through the ePA, addressing health-and-wellness concerns.
16. Fitness-and-exercise resources, including work-place wellness programs, are integrated within the ePA, promoting general health improvements.
17. In the realm of skin-care, the ePA offers diagnostic and treatment data for various skin-conditions.
18. The ePA infrastructure can support environmental-science research, with data on autoimmune-disorders and neurological-disorders contributing to climate-change studies.
19. Manufacturing industries can utilize the ePA for monitoring occupational health and safety, particularly in relation to exposure to hazardous materials.
20. The finance industry can leverage the ePA data for insurance underwriting, Medicare eligibility determination, and investment in healthcare ventures like CBD companies.
21. The energy sector can collaborate with the ePA to address the impact of energy consumption on health, particularly in relation to air pollution and respiratory health.
22. In the retail and entrepreneurship sectors, the ePA can facilitate the development of skincare products and wellness services tailored to specific health needs.
23. The Transportation industry can incorporate ePA data into accident investigations and injury claims, considering factors like cardiovascular-health and age of the victims.
24. The leadership and diversity-and-inclusion discourse can benefit from ePA data, ensuring representation in health research and treatment options.
25. Small-business owners in the health and wellness industry can use the ePA data to better serve their clients, providing personalized fitness, nutrition, and mental-health services.
26. Wealth-management services can integrate ePA data to offer holistic financial planning, considering health-related expenses and insurance needs.
27. The ePA data can inform finance, banking-and-insurance, and fintech strategies, enhancing financial inclusion for those with chronic diseases or disabilities.
28. Real-estate developers can consider the impact of environmental elements on health, utilizing the ePA data to address health concerns and enhance the quality of life for prospective residents.

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