The diversified system of distributed responsibility for GPs, specialists, hospital services, and public and private sickness and insurance funds in Germany and the free choice of physicians by the patients have proven their benefits but are also creating information gaps between the different pillars of the system. The documented treatment is today the addition of isolated episodes of diagnoses and therapies, not the result of integrated seamless care, going along with an organised transfer of adequate information. A comprehensive biography of patients is generally not available. It is not supported by the system but it depends on the individual medical decision to follow evidence-based guidelines.
Economic incentives are insufficient to enforce general medical quality and communication standards.
Patient data are not accessible when they are really needed. Second examinations are not only done in cases where additional information is needed, but also where the access to patient data is just restricted. A comprehensive fact finding study was contracted, in order to discover and to discuss in more details the potential of new communication technologies improving this situation. The study of the Roland Berger Consulting Association examined the current use of telematics in Germany and the experiences in different application areas. There are recommendations for future use of informatics in health care, suggesting the creation of a telematic platform and the introduction of electronic prescriptions.