In the model region of Hamburg and the surrounding area, gematik worked with medical practices, health insurers and software providers between May and September 2025 to test the e-prescription process for DiGA under real-world conditions for the first time. Technically, the system worked well: integration into practice management systems succeeded without major training effort, and the procedure ran stably and reliably regardless of the system used.
Of 119 DiGA prescriptions issued, however, only 28 (15 via app, 13 via paper token) were actually redeemed. The vast majority went unused.
The main reasons cited were overly complicated authentication in the apps, the unfamiliar digital process and unclear or confusing information and printouts.
Chart of the redeemed DiGA e-prescriptions in the gematik pilot project
The Spitzenverband Digitale Gesundheitsversorgung (SVDGV) therefore called for improvements, in particular a considerably more user-friendly, low-barrier and fully digital redemption path. Otherwise, it argued, the procedure is not suitable for a nationwide rollout.
The gematik final report was published here: Abschlussbericht der E-Verordnung DiGA-Pilotierung