Telematics Infrastructure (TI) in Podiatry

What is the TI and why is it important?

The Telematics Infrastructure (TI) is the digital network that connects all stakeholders in the German healthcare system: medical practices, pharmacies, hospitals, care facilities, health insurance companies, podiatrists, etc.

Via the TI, medical data and documents can be exchanged securely and quickly, such as electronic patient files, electronic prescriptions, doctor's letters, medication plans, and more.

The goal is to simplify processes, send documents digitally instead of on paper, and make communication between all healthcare stakeholders more efficient and secure.

First Steps: How to Set Up Your Practice for the TI

If you want to connect your practice to the TI, you need certain prerequisites and should proceed step by step.

Here is your guide:

1. Create Basic Requirements: Internet & Technology

• Your practice needs a stable internet connection. This is the only way for TI access to work.
• You need a so-called connector or alternatively the new TI gateway (depending on the provider) – this is like a secure “bridge” between your practice IT and the TI.
• Additionally, your practice needs an SMC-B Smartcard (practice ID) to identify itself as a medical facility within the TI.
• An E-Health card terminal is required to read cards (e.g., practice ID, professional ID, patient health card).

2. Personal Authorizations: The Professional ID Card

• For you as a healthcare professional to use data via the TI or sign electronically, you need an electronic professional ID card (eHBA).
• With the eHBA, you can use certain functions, such as issuing electronic prescriptions, sending digital doctor's letters, or signing documents.

3. Check Practice Software and TI Modules

• Your practice management/practice software (PVS) must be compatible and include corresponding TI modules, for example, for e-prescription, ePA (electronic patient file), communication, etc.
• The modules must be installed and up-to-date. Only then will the TI applications function smoothly.

4. Commission a Service Provider or Choose "TI as a Service"

• Many practices use an external service provider or billing company to implement the TI connection. This is particularly useful if you do not have IT know-how yourself.
• Alternatively, there are offers for "TI as a Service": Here, the provider takes care of the connection, support, updates, certificates, etc., so you hardly have to worry about it yourself.

5. Enable Communication, e.g., via the KIM Service

• For the secure exchange of documents (doctor's letters, findings, sick notes, etc.), the KIM service – a secure email service within the TI – is suitable.
• Once KIM is set up, your practice can communicate digitally with other practices, clinics, or pharmacies; fax or mail become superfluous.

Why the effort is worthwhile and what you should pay attention to

• Through the TI, practices gain access to digital applications such as the electronic patient file (ePA), the electronic medication plan (eMP), e-prescription, e-doctor's letter, etc. This facilitates documentation and communication.
• Digital exchange saves time, reduces paper consumption, and can make workflows in the practice significantly more efficient.
• For practices with health insurance accreditation, a quick connection can be important. Legislation and the obligation to use it may be subject to change.

However: The transition means work and investment – technology, software, training. It is worthwhile to plan early and, if necessary, seek support from experienced service providers.

Conclusion: How to Get Started with TI Step by Step

If you want to make your practice fit for the TI, the best way to proceed is as follows:

1. Check if internet and IT infrastructure are available.
2. Apply for/organize the necessary hardware: connector or TI gateway, SMC-B, card reader.
3. Ensure your software is TI-compatible and all modules are installed.
4. Apply for your eHBA (professional ID card).
5. Decide whether you want to connect via a service provider or use "TI as a Service."
6. Set up communication via KIM so that documents can be sent digitally and securely.

Set up KIM address: https://www.gematik.de/anwendungen/kim/kim-einrichten

Professional ID Card: https://heilberufsausweis.de

Reimbursement: https://antraege.gkv-spitzenverband.de

GKV: https://www.gkvspitzenverband.de/krankenversicherung/digitalisierung/telematikinfrastruktur/ti.jsp

For access to TI, contact your practice software provider or billing center.

 

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to take advantage of the TI and make your practice fit for the digital future. 💡

Click here for the video about TI -> Click Here