DigiG - focus on comprehensive integration of DiGA
A central focus of the DigiG is on significantly upgrading digital health applications (DiGA) in order to use them even more effectively in patient care. VDGH Managing Director Dr. Martin Walger emphasizes the relevance of DiGA: "Digital health applications support insured persons in dealing with their illness and strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. We welcome the legislator's intention to expand DiGA more strongly." After four years, 48 DiGAs are currently approved. "In order for DiGAs to develop their full potential for healthcare, it must be ensured that applications that include diagnostic data are also integrated. There is a legal regulatory gap here that can be closed with the Digital Act," says Walger.
The VDGH sees many positive approaches in the draft law. In particular, it welcomes the strengthening of the electronic patient file (ePA) and the associated differentiated opt-out procedure.
GDNG - a balance between research funding and data protection
In the context of the Health Data Utilization Act, the VDGH welcomes the opening up of health data for research. "The use of health data for research purposes is an important step. Patients will benefit from this. This is because research and development at universities and in industry can be tailored much better to the needs of patients based on healthcare data," says Walger. In order to achieve this, the VDGH advocates driving forward the standardization of healthcare data and continuing to protect the intellectual property of researchers. The data protection of individuals is already comprehensively safeguarded by clear provisions in the GDNG.
