Publisher: Association for Digital Healthcare (SVDGV) (only available in German)
Introduction and legal basis
Since the Digital Healthcare Act (DVG) entered into force in December 2019, DiGA can be prescribed by a doctor or psychotherapist, or can be applied for directly from the health insurance company by patients with a corresponding indication. They have now become an established pillar of standard care.
The Digital Act (DigiG), which entered into force in March 2024, is intended to further advance the digitalisation of the healthcare system (we reported). It obliges health insurance companies to issue activation codes more quickly, extends the statutory reimbursement claim to DiGA in risk class IIb and provides for performance-related remuneration from 2026.
Growth and utilisation
By the time the report was published, almost one million patients had benefited from DiGA. The number of redeemed activation codes continued to grow at double-digit rates until 31 December 2024. DiGA are used by adults of all age groups, with the 50–64 age group accounting for the largest share – proof that digital health applications are not only used by the ‘digital native’ generation.
Variety and availability
As of 31 December 2024, 59 DiGA were listed in the BfArM directory, 38 of which were permanent. A total of 68 different DiGA have been added to the list since 2020, a new record. The DiGA fast-track process has been particularly successful, as two thirds of the DiGA that were initially provisionally included are now permanently listed.
International significance
DiGA are now regarded as a ‘role model’ for other healthcare systems. France and Belgium have modelled themselves on the German reimbursement model, while Austria and Switzerland are also taking steps towards digital healthcare.
Recommendation for action
Manufacturers of digital health applications who would like to benefit from the inclusion of their product in the BfArM directory, and thus from reimbursement by the statutory health insurance funds, have the opportunity to test their chances of inclusion free of charge via the following link.
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