Healthcare professions dental technician at work

Telematics infrastructure connection for providers of medical devices

The Telematics Infrastructure (TI) is a digital network within the German healthcare system that connects service providers such as doctors, pharmacies and providers of medical devices. From 1 January 2026, connection to the TI will be mandatory for all providers of medical aids, including dental laboratories, hearing aid specialists, opticians, orthopaedic technology providers and others. Access is enabled through the electronic professional card (ePC) and the organisation card (SMC-B).

Incomplete information on treatment histories, prescriptions and medication often makes day-to-day work more difficult for providers of medical devices. Necessary follow-ups with previous care providers can be time-consuming and complicate targeted patient care. The Telematics Infrastructure (TI) removes these barriers by enabling a secure flow of information between all parties involved. This allows professionals working in the fitted medical device industry to focus once again on what matters most: patient care.

Digital opportunities for dental laboratories and other businesses such as hearing aid audiologists, opticians and orthopaedic technology businesses 

By connecting fitted medical device providers to the TI, patient data can be accessed and exchanged quickly and efficiently in the future. Using KIM (Communication in Healthcare), surgical reports, MRI images and internally generated reports can be shared securely. The TI Messenger (TIM) ensures secure real-time communication. It enables businesses in the fitted medical device industry to communicate by instant message with medical practices, hospitals and pharmacies and, where appropriate, with patients as well.

Mandatory connection from 1 January 2026: apply for eBA and SMC-B in good time 

From 1 January 2026, connection to the Telematics Infrastructure will be mandatory for all providers of medical aids. To ensure this connection, two cards are required: the electronic professional card (eBA) and the organisation card (SMC-B). Both cards are available from D-Trust. 

Chambers of Crafts as issuing authorities for businesses in the fitted medical device industry. 

Applications for the cards for the various fitted medical device industries are submitted exclusively via the secure members’ area and the online application portal of the relevant Chamber of Crafts. At present, members of the following professional groups are eligible to apply: opticians, hearing aid specialists, orthopaedic technicians, shoemakers and dental technicians.

Secure information exchange with the electronic professional card 

Using the electronic professional card (ePC) and the organisation card (SMC-B), fitted medical device providers and their authorised professionals gain access via the Telematics Infrastructure (TI) to all relevant patient health data. In addition, the TI’s built-in messaging service enables fast and secure communication with other healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care.

Applications within the Telematics Infrastructure

Within the Telematics Infrastructure, all participating professional groups can communicate securely and directly using KIM (Communication in Healthcare). For example, they can exchange medical letters, treatment and cost plans, clinical findings, X-ray images, laboratory data, billing information and certificates of incapacity for work by email.

In addition to KIM, the TI Messenger enables secure real-time communication. Using instant messages, healthcare professionals can clarify questions regarding prescribed medical aids, laboratory results or other open issues. This is particularly valuable in emergency situations, where it saves time and supports rapid patient care.

The electronic professional ID card (ePC) is a digital form of identification for members of certain professions, such as opticianry, hearing aid audiology, orthopaedic technology, shoemaking and dental technology, which confirms their licence to practise. It enables secure digital authentication and access to sensitive, profession-related data and services within the telematics infrastructure. The ePC contributes to improved security and efficiency within the healthcare system and beyond. It also simplifies administrative processes by making it easier to verify qualifications and authorisations. In addition, the ePC contains a qualified electronic signature (QES) for digitally signing electronic documents. Within the Telematics Infrastructure, this digital signature replaces the traditional handwritten signature.

The SMC-B (Security Module Card Type B) is a smart card developed for healthcare organisations and businesses. It provides secure authentication and encryption for businesses that exchange electronic data in healthcare. Using the SMC-B, institutions such as medical practices, pharmacies and fitted medical device providers can access digital health services securely. The card ensures the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive patient data.

To access the telematics infrastructure and benefit from the digitalisation of healthcare, identification in the TI as a medical technician or a business in the medical device industry is required. Two cards are required for this. The first card, the electronic professional ID card (ePC), identifies the technician in the fitted medical device industry as part of the professional group that is permitted to access TI applications. The qualified electronic signature (QES) contained in the eBA is used to digitally sign electronic documents. It replaces the handwritten signature within the telematics infrastructure. Any new information entered in the telematics infrastructure must be confirmed with this signature. The second card, the SMC-B, identifies the respective business in the fitted medical device industry. Both cards fall under the responsibility of the relevant Chamber of Crafts and can be ordered from D-Trust once approved.

To ensure nationwide connection of all participating professional groups to the TI, most of the associated costs, such as the technical equipment (card reader and connector) and the operating costs for the eBA and SMC-B, are reimbursed by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-Spitzenverband).

Apply for and order the electronic professional ID card and the SMC-B online

Order your eBA and SMC-B now

From early 2026, connecting to the telematics infrastructure will be mandatory for all businesses in the fitted medical device industry. To gain access to the TI, you need to apply for the ePC and the SMC-B. 

Get your eBA 

The relevant Chamber of Crafts issues the ePC to individuals who can provide evidence of professional qualification to practise a profession in the fitted medical device industry in accordance with numbers 33 to 37 of Annex A to the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code (Handwerksordnung). Eligibility is verified through registration in the Crafts and Trades Register as a qualified owner or qualified technical manager of a business operating in the respective fitted medical device industry. As part of the process, the Chamber of Crafts verifies the applicant’s professional authorisation. Once the verification has been successfully completed, the applicant receives a transaction number, which is required to order the ePC via the D-Trust E-Health application portal. How to proceed when ordering the ePC: 

  1.  Enter the transaction number in the D-Trust E-Health application portal and complete the pre-filled application
  2. Complete legally valid identification, for example using the PostIdent process
  3. Following successful identification and final confirmation once again by the Chamber of Crafts, the card is produced and dispatched 

Apply for the SMC-B 

Ordering the SMC-B requires that an ePC has already been issued to an authorised signatory of the organisation. This person can apply for the SMC-B via the relevant Chamber of Crafts, which automatically verifies the organisation’s eligibility. Once authorisation has been confirmed by the Chamber, a transaction number for ordering the SMC-B via the D-Trust E-Health application portal is issued, following the same process as for the ePC.

Learn more about our products

Ärztin Computer Schreibtisch
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.

Ärztin Brille Kittel
Electronic Health Professional ID Card / Electronic Professional ID Card (eHBA/eBA)

Qualified, practicing doctors, dentists, psychotherapists, pharmacists, nurses, obstetrics, physiotherapists, emergency paramedics, occupational therapists, podiatrists, speech therapists, dental technicians, shoemakers, orthopaedic technicians, hearing aid acousticians and opticians can use the Electronic Health Professional ID Card / Electronic Professional ID Card as a means of personally identifying themselves in the specially protected Telematics Infrastructure.

Zwei Frauen sitzen vor einem Computer.
SM-B Institution Certificates: Virtual proof of identity for institutions

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.

Price overview for eHPC and SMC-B

Product description
Price in EUR*

ePC

for opticians, hearing aid audiologists, orthopaedic technicians, shoemakers and dental technicians
420,17 €
Order
  • Enables all opticians, hearing aid acousticians, orthopaedic technicians, shoemakers and dental technicians to authenticate themselves to the telematics infrastructure in the healthcare sector. The costs for professional ID cards are partially covered by the operating cost allowance in accordance with the refinancing agreement.
  • Valid for 5 years.

*Prices in euros (€) plus statutory VAT.

Product description
Price in EUR*

SMC-B for businesses in the fitted medical device industry

The professional card for opticians, hearing aid audiologists, orthopaedic technicians, shoemakers and dental technicians
390,76 €
Order
  • The costs for the company ID card are partially covered by the operating cost allowance in accordance with the applicable financing agreement.
  • Valid for 5 years.

*Prices in euros (€) plus statutory VAT.

Do you have any questions about our eHealth products? Please feel free to contact us:

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D-Trust Support-Team

+49 (0)30 2598 - 4050

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