Digital Communication in Visceral Medicine: Regulatory Framework for Digital Communication

BACKGROUND: Germany has seen rapid development in the digitization of medicine in recent years. Especially, the CO­VID-19 pandemic has dramatically accelerated this process. Nevertheless, it is accompanied by legal innovations that promote the application of digital tools as well as create respective remuneration options. Ultimately, this continued implementation of digital innovations and telemedicine approaches will lead to the improvement of care and the more efficient provision of medical services. SUMMARY: The article primarily describes the development and current status of digitization using 2 key examples of telemedicine and digital innovations − video consultation and digital health applications. Starting with the liberalization of remote treatment options, video consultation gained many users, especially during the COVID pandemic. The introduction of digital health applications with the possibility of reimbursement by the statutory health insurance funds has put Germany in a leading position in international comparison in this respect. KEY MESSAGES: Digitization in healthcare offers enormous opportunities both to professionals working in the healthcare sector and to patients. However, in order to successfully use digital tools in practice, the legal, organizational, and financial framework must be clarified. All medical professionals are well advised to further qualify themselves in this area in order to keep pace with developments.