Introduction: The New Digital Healthcare Era
Germany is stepping into a new era of digital administration in healthcare, with the nationwide mandatory rollout of the electronic patient file (ePA). For expats living in Germany, especially newcomers, this change impacts how medical records are stored, accessed, and shared. This isn’t just a bureaucratic shift—it’s a transformation designed to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and streamline care. Yet, for many foreign residents, adapting to these systems brings a mix of opportunities and challenges.