🇩🇪 Germany Digital Healthcare: A Transformation Towards "Opt-Out" Connectivity
As of late 2025, Germany's Digital Healthcare sector has moved from a voluntary, fragmented ecosystem to a mandatory, integrated "opt-out" model. Driven by the Digital Act (DigiG) and the Health Data Use Act (GDNG), the German system—traditionally known for its strict data privacy—is now prioritizing nationwide data liquidity to address the challenges of an aging population and a critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
The Three Pillars of German Digital Health
The current digital landscape is defined by three primary technological and regulatory pillars:
1. Electronic Patient Record (ePA) for All
Since January 15, 2025, the ePA (elektronische Patientenakte) has transitioned to an opt-out model. Every individual with public health insurance now automatically receives a digital record unless they explicitly object.
