E-prescriptions in pharmacies: Positive response despite implementation hurdles
27.05.2025 14:58
Pharmacists are largely positive about electronic prescriptions. They highlighted the protection against prescription fraud and the reduction in dispensing errors, while criticizing increased competition from mail-order pharmacies and delayed delivery. The economic index reflecting the current situation rose slightly.
For almost a year and a half, the electronic prescription (e-prescription) has been mandatory in all German pharmacies. The current edition of the Pharmacy Business Climate Index (APOkix) examines the experiences of pharmacy owners since the introduction of the e-prescription in their pharmacies. The initial conclusion is positive: Two-thirds of respondents rate their experiences with the e-prescription so far as positive (65%). Although the respondents believe there is still a great need for patient education (70%), the majority would like to see the e-prescription made mandatory for privately insured patients as soon as possible (55%).
Majority redeems e-prescription via electronic health card
The electronic prescription (e-prescription) can be redeemed at the pharmacy in various ways. Most customers use their electronic health card (eGK) (86 %), while about one in ten brings the printed QR code to the pharmacy (9 %). E-prescription apps are currently only used sporadically (5 %). According to the respondents, redeeming the prescription via an app works only satisfactorily on average compared to the other options, while the eGK and the QR code work well on average. According to the respondents, problems with redeeming the e-prescription generally arise most frequently from delayed provision of the e-prescription (93 %), completion errors in doctors' offices (47 %), and problems with the telematics infrastructure (38 %).
Electronic prescriptions increase competition with online pharmacies, but offer protection against prescription fraud.
In addition to the predominantly positive experiences with the electronic prescription (e-prescription), pharmacists see further advantages to its use. Many welcome the improved protection against prescription fraud (81) and the avoidance of dispensing errors (77). However, the e-prescription also presents pharmacists with challenges: Besides the various difficulties in implementation, respondents observe increasing competition from mail-order pharmacies, fueled by the e-prescription (93), and increased effort regarding data protection (61).
Economic index optimistic assessment of current business situation
In May, the assessment of the current business situation rose by 7.5 points compared to the previous month, returning to the level of February and March (75.0 points). The index for business expectations for the next twelve months changed only slightly compared to April, falling by 1.5 points to 65.2 in May.