What do the individual apps do?
“The apps are specially tailored to the treatment of certain diseases and are accordingly very different,” says Marcel Weigand. For example, there are apps that are used for treatment, such as back exercises for skeletal diseases or relaxation exercises for anxiety attacks. There are also apps for collecting and evaluating data, such as digital migraine diaries. In some cases, the apps also evaluate data from fitness trackers and similar devices so that, for example, the quality of sleep can be analyzed more precisely in the event of sleep disorders.
Do the approved apps only run on the smartphone?
That is different. Most of the approved digital health applications run on smartphones and tablets, some are web applications for the PC. Some also work on all devices.
Does the cash register also pay for the necessary equipment?
No, the cash register only pays for the app. “The insured person must bear the costs for the smartphone, tablet or PC, any fitness tracker or other hardware that may be required,” says Weigand.
Can you buy the approved apps yourself if the cash register does not cover the costs?
Yes, most of the approved apps are also available for a fee in the App Store.
What are the advantages of the apps compared to non-digital methods?
Of course, that depends on the type of app. Certain data could not be recorded in the conventional way, for example the detection of phases of deep sleep. Often the recording is also more detailed and there are fewer transmission errors than with traditional notes on paper. Therefore you can tailor the treatment much more individually and precisely to your own health situation.
In addition, the data can be forwarded electronically to the practice so that they are immediately available to the doctor and questions can be clarified by phone or email. And last but not least, the apps also make it easier to endure a treatment, for example if the app regularly reminds you to do back exercises.
How is the quality of the apps on the list checked?
“According to the law, the approved digital health applications must meet more than 100 criteria, for example for data protection, service, security and the quality of the content,” says the expert. Only digital health applications that state that they meet these requirements will be included in the list.
Do the approved health apps really bring anything? Are They Effective?
Some of the approved apps have proof of effectiveness in the form of studies that have already been carried out, but this does not apply to all. “For the first twelve months, a digital health application can currently also be added to the list without proof of effectiveness,” explains Weigand.
If the manufacturer cannot prove the effectiveness of the app even after this first year, it will be removed from the list and the health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to reimburse the costs. Conversely, this means that if the app has been approved for at least twelve months, it is also effective. Since the approvals are still new, the first apps will not reach this twelve-month limit until October 2021 at the earliest.
How can I tell whether an approved app already has proof of effectiveness or not?
For every app that is listed in the official DiGA directory, there is a button with the label “Further information on DiGA” and here you will also find information on the effectiveness and on studies that have already been carried out.
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