“Important project”: This is how Berset wants to store the electronic patient file

Is there a prohibition on discrimination?

Can hospitals determine that an electronic patient record is mandatory if someone has objected? Berset doubts that is possible. It would then just be communicated via email. “Email will not disappear,” he said.

Things are going well in Romandy

So far things are going well in French-speaking Switzerland, says BAG boss Lévy. Now everything should be fine everywhere. “Maybe there is a bit more celebration in the French-speaking part of Switzerland,” says Federal Councilor Berset. In the summer there will be a campaign for the electronic patient file – first for the institutions, then for the general public next year. “You can’t tell anyone to get an electronic health record.”

This concludes the media conference.

What are the sanctions if a doctor refuses to participate?

Levy says that until now, hospitals were required to provide an electronic patient record. But many wouldn’t – and so far there are no sanctions options. That should change.

The sanctions range from a warning to the withdrawal of the option to claim via the health insurers. Fines of up to CHF 250,000 are also possible.

Data protection risk?

Berset emphasizes that data is already being centralized today. “We are all insured with an insurance company. Insurance companies know everything.” That is not new. The electronic health record is set up in such a way that data is secured in Switzerland. “Data security has top priority,” says BAG boss Anne Lévy. Everyone who offers an electronic health record must be certified and this regularly repeat “But there is no such thing as 100% certainty.”

“It’s an Offer”

Berset emphasizes that it is an offer. According to the Minister of Health, one could also say ‘no’ to the electronic patient file. But then you have to actively appeal to the canton. We are only at the beginning of the consultation, so there is still a lot to tell about it

“Financing must be clearly arranged”

Berset says that financing must be clearly arranged. The federal government is responsible for the further development of the electronic patient file, while the cantons must ensure that everyone has the option of an electronic patient file.

Everyone must participate

Until now, only hospitals, birth centers and nursing homes are obliged to introduce the electronic patient file. Ambulatory service providers such as doctors, pharmacists and physiotherapists must now also be present.

Everyone who lives in Switzerland and has health insurance there must receive an electronic health record. If you don’t want that, you must take action and object.

Berset: «Important project»

Federal Councilor Alain Berset starts with his comments on the electronic patient file. According to the Minister of Health, it is an important project.

Berset emphasizes the advantages of the system: the data is available at all times on all devices and for all parties involved. The patient can make the collected information available to healthcare professionals. The goal is better treatment quality and greater patient safety.

Media conference begins

The media conference begins. First there are other topics: Federal Council spokesman André Simonazzi explains the decision again, why there is no tank deal. The background is here.

Media conference at 1:30 pm

Minister of Health Alain Berset, together with BAG boss Anne Lévy, invited to a media conference about the electronic health record. The media conference will begin at 1:30 p.m.