Opportunities and risks of telemedicine in urology

Abstract

Use of telemedicine continues to increase in Germany. The legal framework has been expedited by several laws, such as the Appointment Service and Supply Act (TSVG), Digital Care Act (DVG), Patient Data Protection Act (PDSG) and Hospital Future Act (KHZG). The first digital health applications (DiGAs) that can be prescribed by doctors and will be reimbursed by medical insurance have entered the market and many more will follow, including urological applications. Video consultations have seen a remarkable increase driven by the Corona pandemic and will continue to be fully implemented in daily work. Electronic patient records will also be widely available within the next few years and will have a positive influence on efficiency in health care, as all steps in the treatment process will be digitalized. This will be supported by the e‑prescription and customer-friendly pathways of distribution of their medications. The most important challenges that hopefully do not inhibit the very much needed progress in the digitalization of healthcare are data protection and the compatibility between systems. Driven by the advances in digital healthcare and urology, urologists will experience a significant gain of efficiency in daily work.