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ePA for all - The electronic patient file
Download the BKK EWE ePA app
App on the Google Play Store App in the App Store for iPhone
The complete medical file at a glance
The ePA is a digital file in which all of a person's important health data can be stored and managed centrally. This includes doctor's reports, medication plans, vaccinations, diagnostic reports and other health-related documents. The aim of the ePA is to provide a complete and up-to-date overview of the patient's medical history and thus improve the quality and efficiency of medical care.
Every person with statutory health insurance will automatically receive an electronic health record unless he or she actively objects (opt-out procedure). This change affects around 73 million people with statutory health insurance.
The ePA is managed via a special app provided by the health insurance companies. In this app, you can view your health data, add or remove documents and set individual access rights. This gives you full control over your data and enables personalized use of the ePA.
Our chatbot, Buddy, can answer your questions about ePA. Click the small icon in the lower right corner of this page to go to the ePA Insured Persons Help Desk. Enter a relevant keyword, and Vida will suggest possible solutions.
ePA Desktop Client - how to use the ePA on the desktop of your computer or laptop
You also have the option of using and managing the ePA on your computer or laptop in the desktop version. This requires the installation of one of the following operating systems:
Windows:
at least Windows 11
Mac:
macOS 15 (Sequoia)
macOs 14 (Sonoma)
Linux:
ubuntu 24.02.3 LTS
ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS
You need a user account to use the desktop client. You cannot register as a user via your computer or laptop; you must do this via the ePA app on your smartphone. You can then log in to the desktop client and use the user account you set up previously.
If you want to access your ePA via your computer or laptop, you must have a card reader connected to your computer or laptop and an NFC-enabled electronic health card. The following card readers have been tested for use with the application and are considered compatible:
- REINER SCT cyberJack RFID chip card reader standard (security class 3 with PIN pad and display)
- CHERRY Smart Terminal ST-2100 (security class 2 with PIN pad)
- IDENTIV SPR332 v2.0 (security class 2 with PIN pad)
Please note that BKK EWE cannot reimburse the costs of a card reader.
Select BKK EWE and your operating system under Downloads. Then follow the instructions in the installation guide.
Alternatively, you can also download the desktop client app from the Microsoft Store and Apple App Store.
TI-Messenger (TI-M) - secure communication in the healthcare sector
The TI-Messenger (TI-M) has enabled secure communication in the healthcare sector since mid-August 2025 The TI-Messenger (TI-M) has been a new function in the ePA app since mid-August 2025. The TI-Messenger enables secure and data protection-compliant communication between insured persons and service providers, such as GPs and specialists as well as other medical staff.
You can use the ePA app to get in touch with your doctor via a secure chat room using the TI Messenger, for example, and clarify any unanswered questions. This is asynchronous communication, so you do not have to be permanently online during the conversation. You also have the option of exchanging images or medical data in encrypted form.
Use of the TI Messenger is voluntary. In the ePA app, you agree to the use of the messenger via a declaration of use and consent and can revoke this at any time.
So far, only a few practices and facilities are using the TI Messenger, so it will only be available to a limited extent in the initial period. If you are interested, it is best to speak directly to your doctor or the relevant medical facility about the TI Messenger. Like many other health insurance funds, BKK EWE is not expected to be available via the TI Messenger until the beginning of 2026.
For more information, visit the gematik website.
Your right of objection
Anyone who does not wish to use the ePA can object.
Since 15.01.2025, all patient files have been created nationwide for the first time. This process has already been completed for BKK EWE policyholders. Access for registration has been created for all insured persons. All objections received by 15.01.2025 were taken into account and no files were created for these insured persons.
For technical reasons, an ePA will initially be created for all currently incoming objections, which will be deleted after six weeks from receipt of the objection by BKK EWE. This applies to the entire file, including any content.
You can revoke this objection at any time. If you wish to do so, please contact us.
Advantages of the ePA for everyone
As the central anchor of digital healthcare, the ePA offers significant benefits for everyone, insured persons and service providers alike:
1. improved medical care
- Doctors and other service providers can directly access the patient's complete medical history. This makes diagnosis and treatment much easier, as all relevant information is available in one place.
- Duplicate examinations are avoided, which saves time and money. This is particularly beneficial when changing doctors, as new doctors have immediate access to all the necessary information.
2. time saving and efficiency
- The central storage of health data eliminates the need for time-consuming collection of information from various sources.
- Pharmacies, hospitals and other medical facilities also have access to the necessary information, which facilitates cooperation and coordination.
3. modern data protection
- The ePA is encrypted according to the highest security standards and stored in secure data centers in Germany. This ensures that the data is protected against unauthorized access.
- Insured persons have control over their data at all times and can determine who has access to which information.
4. research and development
- Pseudonymized data from the ePA can be used for medical research purposes. This enables the development of new treatment methods and the identification of previously unknown correlations.
- Insured persons can object to the use of their data for research purposes if they do not wish this.
5. easy management and accessibility
- All important health documents are available anytime and anywhere. This is particularly convenient for patients who travel frequently or live in rural areas where access to medical facilities may be limited.
- The app offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easier to manage health data. Insured persons can add, delete or edit documents and easily adjust access rights.
How the ePA works for everyone
How data is protected in the ePA
How the ePA is protected against viruses
How to search documents in the ePA
Protection of your health data
The security of the stored data is essential for the use of the ePA. It is encrypted in accordance with the highest security standards and stored in German data centers. Data is transmitted via secure channels and the ePA can only be accessed in the context of treatment. This means that only treating doctors and other medical professionals with a legitimate interest can access the data. In addition, insured persons have the option of individually managing and controlling access to their data at any time.
Terms of use
The terms of use constitute a contract between you and BKK EWE. The conditions include provisions on transfer, registration, rights and obligations of both parties and much more. You must agree to these terms and conditions in order to be able to use an electronic patient file.
Privacy policy
The security of your data is guaranteed at all times, as the strictest data protection requirements for manufacturers and operators apply to the approval and operation of the ePA. The servers on which the data is stored are located in Germany.
We process your personal data only to the extent necessary to provide or use a functional ePA. You can find our detailed privacy policy below.
Information material
The ePA - information for patients in easy language
ePA explained in plain language
Get comprehensive information!
ePA for everyone - personal data, personal decisions
FAQ on the ePA for all
Opt-out means that all insured persons automatically receive an ePA unless they actively object. This facilitates the widespread introduction of the EPR and ensures that as many people as possible can benefit from the advantages.
Insured persons can manage their ePA via a special app provided by the health insurance company. In the app, they can add and delete documents and manage access rights.
Yes, the data stored in the ePA is encrypted multiple times and is stored in secure data centers in Germany. Only authorized persons and institutions have access to the data in the context of treatment.
Yes, insured persons can object to their data being used for research purposes. This option is available in the ePA app.
Insured persons can object to the setting up of an ePA at any time. This can be done at the health insurance company or via the ePA app. Any ePAs that have already been set up will then be deleted.
Doctors and other service providers can access the ePA in the context of treatment in order to view relevant health information or store new information in your ePA. This facilitates collaboration and ensures coordinated treatment.
Medical reports, medication plans, findings, vaccinations and other health-related documents can be stored in the ePA. Insured persons have control over which data is stored and shared.
Published on: September 5, 2024 - Last modified on: September 3, 2026
