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Female doctor with tablet

eHPC and SMC-B for non-licensed health professions and their institutions

The Electronic Health Professional Card (eHPC) is a personal access card to the telematics infrastructure (TI). The TI is a secure digital network connecting all stakeholders across the healthcare system. Speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and paramedics, as well as dietitians, massage therapists, medical hydrotherapists and specialists in voice, speech, language and swallowing therapy, are all entitled to obtain an eHPC and connect to the TI. Access to information within the TI is strictly regulated. Practices connect to the telematics infrastructure via the SMC-B Practice Card.

Benefits for healthcare professionals

Key information at a glance

Connection to the telematics infrastructure will become a legal requirement from 1 October 2027 for the following healthcare professions: 

  • Speech and language therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Podiatrists
  • Paramedics
  • Nutritional therapists
  • Massage therapists
  • Medical hydrotherapists
  • Dietetic assistants
  • Specialists in voice, speech, language and swallowing therapy

However, connection is already possible at any time – and is both advisable and recommended.

The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband) largely reimburses the costs of connecting to the telematics infrastructure through monthly flat-rate payments. This applies both to the costs of the technical equipment (card terminals and connectors) and to the ongoing costs for eHBA and SMC-B. The National Association of Staturory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband) provides full details on eligibility and application procedures.

Benefits of the telematics infrastructure

Whether prescriptions, referrals or medical letters – many processes become significantly faster when digitised. This eliminates the need for fax communication, and outstanding questions can be resolved quickly via the applications of the telematics infrastructure.

  • Reduced administrative workload means more time for patients
  • All relevant patient information is available and up-to-date at all times
  • Access to digital applications such as the electronic patient record (ePA)
  • TI Messenger and KIM enable fast and secure communication between professionals and institutions
  • Digital workflows improve efficiency compared to paper-based processes
  • Emergency data management and electronic medication plans enhance treatment safety
  • High standards for data transmission and storage ensure secure data exchange
  • Legally valid digital signatures are possible

Learn more about the telematics infrastructure

These TI applications are available to healthcare professionals

ePrescription for medical aids and remedies (eVO)

With eVO, remedies and medical aids can be prescribed digitally. This includes, for example, prostheses, glasses, walking aids and splints. eVO is being introduced in stages. In future, it will be mandatory for all remedies and medical aids, dressings, urine and blood test strips, medical devices, balanced diets for enteral nutrition and sociotherapy. A corresponding electronic proof of service for remedy prescriptions will also be introduced. This means that occupational therapists, podiatrists, speech and language therapists, nutritional therapists, massage therapists, medical hydrotherapists, dietetic assistants, specialists in voice, speech, language and swallowing therapy, as well as paramedics, will also be able to have proof of service digitally signed by patients.

Learn more about eVO
KIM: Communication in Healthcare

KIM enables messages and documents to be exchanged by email within the healthcare system. Communication is encrypted via a virtual private network (VPN) within the secure environment of the telematics infrastructure. Only authenticated users can access KIM and send encrypted messages via the SMC-B Practice Card and, in some cases, the eHBA, as well as decrypt messages on receipt. KIM users can exchange medical letters, treatment and cost plans, clinical findings, X-ray images, laboratory data, invoices and medical certificates by email.

Learn more about KIM
TIM: the TI Messenger

TIM is being introduced as a complement to communication via KIM for secure, mobile ad hoc communication. It enables instant messaging between all healthcare professions on smartphones, tablets and desktop computers, while ensuring the same high level of security through end-to-end encryption. This allows queries about prescribed medication, information on laboratory findings or requests for a call-back to be clarified quickly and securely.

Learn more about TIM
Electronic prescription

Prescriptions are issued digitally, as authorised healthcare professionals can sign them digitally with full legal validity. At the pharmacy, the patient’s electronic health card (eGK) is read via a card terminal and the medication is dispensed. Electronic prescriptions can also be redeemed through online pharmacies.

Learn more about e-prescriptions
Emergency data management (NFDM)

Medical information that may be relevant in an emergency is stored on the chip of the electronic health card (eGK). In an emergency, all relevant information can therefore be accessed, such as a detailed record of intolerances or urgently required medication. Only authorised healthcare providers have access to NFDM. The patient alone decides whether an emergency data record is created and which existing information is to be included.

Learn more about NFDM
Qualified electronic signature (QES)

The qualified electronic signature (QES) makes it possible to sign electronic prescriptions, eVOs and electronic medical letters digitally with full legal validity. The QES offers the highest level of security and the strongest legal effect of any electronic signature and is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature. The eHBA is used to create a QES.

Learn more about QES
Electronic Medication Plan (eMP)

The electronic medication plan (eMP) provides a structured overview of the medicines a patient is currently taking. It also includes important additional information designed to help avoid issues such as adverse drug interactions. At present, the eMP is stored on the health card. All authorised healthcare providers in the telematics infrastructure can quickly view the medication plan at any time. In future, the eMP will also be incorporated into the ePA.

Learn more about eMP

eHBA or SMC-B – which card is for what?

Institutions (such as medical practices) use the SMC-B to authenticate themselves with the telematics infrastructure, whilst healthcare professionals require the eHBA for personalised access to the TI. Service providers in non-licensed healthcare professions apply for the eHBA and SMC-B via the electronic healthcare professions register. The eGBR issues a reference number. This allows the application process to be initiated on D-Trust’s e-health application portal and the cards to be ordered. In addition to the eHBA and SMC-B, various hardware-based technical components such as e-health card terminals and connectors are required to connect to the telematics infrastructure.

Pictogram Person Circle

The card for individual professionals

eHPC (Electronic Health Professional Card) and ePC (Electronic Professional Card)

The Electronic Health Professional Card (eHBA) allows regulated healthcare professionals to identify themselves securely within the telematics infrastructure. Authorised tradespeople working in health-related trades can use the electronic professional card (eBA) for this purpose. This step-by-step guide explains how to apply for an eHBA or eBA.

 

Examples of how the eHBA can be used: 

  • Write access to TI applications
  • Qualified electronic signatures (QES), for example for electronic prescriptions
  • Encrypted data exchange
  • Access to the electronic patient record

Apply for an eHPC now

Electronic Health Professional Card (eHPC)

With the Health Professional Card or the Professional Card, members of the following professions can identify themselves personally within the high-security TI: doctors, dentists, psychotherapists, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, paramedics, occupational therapists, podiatrists, speech and language therapists, dental technicians, orthopaedic shoemakers, orthopaedic technicians, hearing aid acousticians and opticians.

Pictogram ID card with tick

The card for practices and institutions

SMC-B: The Practice and Institution Card

With the SMC-B, participating practices and other institutions – such as clinics, rehabilitation and care facilities, pharmacies, as well as providers of medical aids – authenticate themselves within the telematics infrastructure.

 

Examples of how the SMC-B can be used:

  • Secure access to the telematics infrastructure
  • Access to patient information within the TI
  • Encrypted healthcare communication via KIM within the TI

Apply for SMC-B now

Electronic practice card / institution ID card (SMC-B and SMC-B ORG)

The SMC-B, also known as the practice or institution ID card, is the key to the Telematics Infrastructure. It is used by healthcare institutions to identify themselves as medical facilities.

How it works

Pictogram communication

Access to the electronic patient record (ePA) gives occupational therapists authorised by the patient immediate access to comprehensive treatment data, making therapy planning easier. Electronic prescriptions can be used to prescribe aids such as splints and therapy materials digitally. KIM (Communication in Healthcare) enables fast and secure data exchange with doctors and hospitals. Where speed is essential, the TI Messenger also enables real-time text-based communication.

Authorised podiatrists can use the electronic patient record (ePA) to access medical information relevant to their work directly. Access to information on wound healing and infection history helps to improve the quality of treatment. Electronic prescriptions and eVO make it easier to prescribe and manage podiatric aids such as insoles and dressings. KIM (Communication in Healthcare) and the TI Messenger for real-time text messaging enable secure and efficient communication with other healthcare providers.

Pictogram communication

Access to the electronic patient record (ePA) allows authorised speech and language therapists to view a detailed treatment history. Likewise, authorised voice, speech, language and swallowing therapists can use the ePA to adapt their treatment. Electronic prescriptions can be used to prescribe therapy materials such as speech therapy devices. KIM and the TI Messenger enable direct communication with colleagues and other healthcare providers about treatment progress and progress reports.

Pictogram ID card

Emergency services will also be connected to the telematics infrastructure. In emergency situations, paramedics can access the emergency data stored on the patient’s electronic health card (eGK) During the initial treatment of unresponsive patients, this gives paramedics useful information on pre-existing conditions, allergies, intolerances and long-term medication.

Pictogram document

Connection to the telematics infrastructure (TI) also offers valuable benefits for nutritional therapists and dietetic assistants. These include the digital transmission of remedy prescriptions such as KOST prescriptions, which helps to speed up reimbursement by health insurance providers. KIM (Communication in Healthcare) enables rapid exchange with doctors on laboratory results and treatment plans.

Graphical representation of a network

Connection to the telematics infrastructure (TI) makes the day-to-day work of massage therapists and medical hydrotherapists easier. Clinical findings, treatment reports, ePrescriptions for medical aids and remedies, and treatment plans can be exchanged quickly and securely with doctors, hospitals and other stakeholders in the healthcare system via KIM (Communication in Healthcare).

Frequently asked questions about the Electronic Health Professional Card (eHBA)

As digitalisation continues to transform healthcare, many processes are changing. Naturally, questions arise. We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Electronic Health Professional Card here.

To use the telematics infrastructure (TI), two cards are required, along with a card terminal and a connector. An Electronic Health Professional Card (eHPC) is needed for an authorised representative, along with an SMC-B Practice Card or Institution Card (or, in future, its virtual version, the SM-B) in order to authenticate to the telematics infrastructure. Both cards are read via a card terminal. A connector is then used to access the telematics infrastructure. The Electronic Healthcare Professions Register (eGBR) is responsible for issuing the cards. The eHBA and SMC-B are ordered from the trust service provider (VDA) D-Trust.

Yes. With D-Trust, healthcare professionals can order the eHBA entirely online. Using the electronic application process, there is no need to print, sign and post the application – everything can be completed online. You can also identify yourself online using the eID function of your identity card or passport. Alternatively, identification can be completed using PostIdent at a post office branch. The eHBA is ordered via D-Trust’s eHealth Application Portal.

Like the SMC-B Institution or Practice card, the Electronic Health Professional Card (eHBA) is valid for a maximum of five years. It cannot be renewed. Healthcare professionals receive an email from D-Trust in good time before expiry with a link for ordering a replacement card. The application is pre-filled using the information from the current eHBA. D-Trust customers only need to check that their details are up to date, submit the application and complete identification. As a rule, the new Electronic Health Professional Card is produced and dispatched within a maximum of two weeks of the application being submitted and identification being completed. In most cases, the PIN/PUK is then sent around three days later by registered post. 

D-Trust contacts customers several times before expiry so that new cards can be applied for and ordered in good time. The same applies to the SMC-B Practice Card, which is also valid for a maximum of five years.

Further frequently asked questions

Electronic Health Professional Card (eHPC)

With the Health Professional Card or the Professional Card, members of the following professions can identify themselves personally within the high-security TI: doctors, dentists, psychotherapists, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, paramedics, occupational therapists, podiatrists, speech and language therapists, dental technicians, orthopaedic shoemakers, orthopaedic technicians, hearing aid acousticians and opticians.

View Product
Product: SMC-B and SMC-B ORG

The SMC-B, also known as the practice or institution ID card, is the key to the Telematics Infrastructure. It is used by healthcare institutions to identify themselves as medical facilities.

View Product
Product: SM-B Institution Certificates

The SM-B institution certificates provide the health care system with hardware-independent and card-free secure access to the telematics infrastructure. This makes it possible to access EHC data.

View Product

Price overview: eHBA and SMC-B

Product description
Price in EUR*

eHPC

for professionals in emergency services, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech and language therapy, and voice, speech, language and swallowing therapy, as well as nutrition and diet therapy, massage and medical hydrotherapy
420,17 €
Order now
  • Enables all professionals in emergency care, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech and language therapy, and voice, speech, language and swallowing therapy, as well as nutrition and diet therapy, massage and medical hydrotherapy to authenticate themselves to the telematics infrastructure in the healthcare system. The cost of the Health Professional Card is partly covered by the operating cost allowance under the refinancing agreement.
  • Valid for 5 years

* Price in euros (€), plus statutory VAT.

Product description
Price in EUR*

SMC-B

for organisations in the fields of emergency services, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech and language therapy, and nutritional therapy
390,76 €
Order now
  • The costs for the Institution Card are partly covered by the TI operating cost allowance under the relevant financing agreement.
  • Valid for 5 years

* Price in euros (€), plus statutory VAT.

Got questions about the eHBA? Please feel free to contact us:

+49 (0)30 2598 - 4050

D-Trust Support-Team
ehealth-support@bdr.de