The new era in hospitals started today. Remote examination costs will now be covered by the Social Security Institution.
The new era in hospitals has started as of today. Hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health will now conduct remote examinations. The examination fee will be covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK).
For remote examination, an appointment will be made through the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS). Remote examinations are limited to one per day for the hospital where the appointment is made. The SSI will cover only one remote examination fee per day for the same patient in the same hospital.
According to NTV, specialist doctors will perform the remote examination. The SSI will not cover the cost of new remote examinations within ten days for the same specialty in the same hospital (except for emergency room visits).
Doctors will be able to prescribe medication for treatment with e-prescription after the examination. Drugs prescribed during remote examinations can be purchased from pharmacies contracted with the SSI. The doctor will also be able to issue e-reports for the patient.
Remote examinations will be provided by secondary and tertiary healthcare organizations affiliated to the Ministry of Health. Second-tier hospitals consist of state hospitals and branch hospitals that are not training and research hospitals, district polyclinics (TIP centers) affiliated to these hospitals, and integrated district hospitals. The third tier consists of training and research hospitals. All city hospitals are located in the third level.
Distance healthcare services can only be provided in ministry-authorized hospitals with the necessary information technology infrastructure. The person requesting health care will be examined to the extent permitted by the remote health service.
The doctor will be able to recommend patients to go to a hospital for a face-to-face examination.
Wearable technologies and other medical devices will be used to measure and track the health data of the person requesting healthcare services.
