ePA
About the Project
eRezept
About the Client
Our client develops practice-management software (PVS). Their software is aimed at physicians and medical practices operating in the German healthcare system – both solo and group practices. The client offers a comprehensive practice-management system (PVS) that integrates with the Telematics Infrastructure and supports services such as the electronic patient file (ePA), e-prescription (eRezept), and electronic sick note (eAU). The software also enables electronic patient records management, appointment scheduling (practice organizer), and billing with health insurers (KBV validation module).
Problem
The electronic patient file (ePA) represents a major opportunity for Germany but also a challenge—especially for medical-software providers. Nationwide rollout is rapidly approaching, albeit not without complications. Software vendors are working intensively to meet the deadlines.
Our client develops PVS software. When one of their users was selected by Gematik as an ePA tester, the ePA integration with the central registry had to be accelerated. At the same time, this provided the opportunity to thoroughly test the ePA connection.
Objective
The goal was to develop a fully functional component that integrates our client’s software with the central ePA. This extension enables viewing, retrieving, and editing medical documents. Thanks to our support, our client’s PVS system is ePA-enabled so that its users can benefit from day one of nationwide rollout.
Challenges
Time Pressure
Complexity of the Telematics Infrastructure (TI)
Performance Requirements
The project was carried out within a tight timeframe defined by the rollout plan for ePA 3.0 in Germany. Our client needed a functional solution for Gematik’s pilot phase, demanding a high work pace and rapid decision-making.
The German Telematics Infrastructure is a highly branched ecosystem of interconnected components that requires deep expertise. We had to master the communication between connectors, smart cards, terminals, and other elements – a significantly more complex challenge than in other e-health projects.
Transferring and processing large medical documents was a significant performance challenge. We implemented asynchronous background processing and optimized read/write operations so that physicians can work efficiently with patient data.
Support for Various Data Formats
Integration into the Existing System
The system had to support numerous document formats, including specialized MIOs (Medical Information Objects). Correct interpretation, rendering, and management of structured and unstructured medical data were essential for the component’s functionality.
Implementing our component into the client’s existing PVS system was a technical challenge. We ensured it functioned seamlessly as an embedded iframe and provided a consistent user interface while maintaining smooth communication between systems.
Solution
We delivered a comprehensive integration module for the electronic patient file ePA 3.0 for the medical PVS software provider. Our solution enables physicians to access the full patient documentation directly from their system.
Our component was integrated as an iframe into the client’s system to ensure a unified user experience.
We implemented features that enable: displaying a patient’s complete document list, searching by various criteria, previewing content, and uploading new files to the ePA.
Features of Our Solution
Comprehensive Document Management
We enabled physicians to browse, view, preview, and upload patient documents directly from the PVS system. We also implemented asynchronous processing to ensure smooth document transfer even for large files.
Support for Multiple Formats
In addition to standard formats like PDF, images, and text files, we implemented support for structured MIO documents in XML format. A dedicated visualization layer enables display of both structured and unstructured documents.
Seamless Integration into the Client System
Our component is designed as an embedded iframe within the existing PVS-Interface, ensuring a consistent user experience. Communication between systems uses the IHE ITI-Standard for secure document exchange.
Full Compatibility with the Telematics Infrastructure
By integrating the electronic health card, the connector, and the card terminal, correct authentication and authorization within the ePA-System are enabled.
Optimized Performance
By implementing asynchronous processing for document transfer and optimizing the upload/download of documents to the server, high efficiency and stability are ensured.
Compliance with ePA 3.0 Requirements
The solution meets the latest standards and specifications of the German electronic patient file, including automated prescription management. All tests were successfully conducted in Gematik’s reference environment (RU-Environment).
Technological Foundation
Our solution was developed with modern technologies such as Angular, Java, PostgreSQL, and the Spring Framework and delivered in time for the ePA 3.0 pilot phase.
Results of the Collaboration
Implementing the ePA component delivered both business and technological advantages to our client:
🚀 Readiness for nationwide rollout – The client’s PVS system was fully prepared for ePA 3.0 launch from day one of the pilot phase.
🏆 Competitive advantage – The client was among the few software vendors with a functional ePA-Integration.
👨⚕️ More efficient workflows for doctors – Faster and easier access to patient records.
📂 Comprehensive document management – Support for standard formats and specialized MIO-Documents.
❤️ Better care quality – Access to the patient’s complete treatment and medication history.
🔄 Optimized processes – Automation of many aspects of document management.
Thanks to our solution, the client could offer its users a modern tool that meets the digitalization requirements of the German healthcare system while improving patient-safety and care quality.
UI Design
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