Gematik publishes preliminary specification for ‘Proof of Patient Presence’ (PoPP) as basis for low-threshold e-prescription solution in the coming years

Brussels, 27 January 2026 – Gematik, Germany´s digital health agency, released its draft specifications of the PoPP (Proof of Patient Presence) module for the remote care use case, which includes the digital redemption of e-prescriptions. The module aims to continue the success of redeeming e-prescriptions via NFC scan of the electronic health card (eGK = elektronische Gesundheitskarte) in the pharmacy’s own app.

Walter Hess, Co-President EAEP, welcomes the draft: “I am confident that it will enable patients across Germany to continue redeeming their e-prescriptions in a user-friendly and low-threshold way. They must be able to rely on the redemption methods they have learned for their electronic prescriptions to remain in place permanently. Only in this way will digitisation find broad acceptance in the German healthcare system.”

PoPP will be used in future to access TI applications such as e-prescriptions. The module enables additional authentication methods for insured persons. These include authentication via eGK in a brick-and-mortar pharmacy, authentication via an NFC scan of the eGK in the pharmacy´s own app without the continued requirement of a PIN, and soon, authentication via HealthID as an additional option.

Olaf Heinrich, Co-President EAEP, states: “With the introduction of the eGK’s NFC scan nearly two years ago, the German Health Ministry and gematik enabled a smooth digital redemption process for patients. This process is now widely used by both online as well as brick-and-mortar pharmacies, allowing patients to obtain their medication in an efficient and user-friendly way. I am pleased to see that with this new technology the process of redeeming e-prescriptions via an NFC scan of the eGK in a pharmacy’s own app can continue – now even more effectively – as no SMS for mobile phone number verification is required anymore. At the same time, the process will be TI 2.0 ready.”

Since these are draft specifications, stakeholders will be able to comment on the gematik´s proposal until 9 February 2026. The final requirements are expected to be published within the first quarter of 2026. The official rollout of PoPP Stufe 2 – Online Check-in – by gematik is currently planned towards the end of 2026. The eHealth-CardLink licence extension for EAEP members remains valid until 31 January 2027.

Profile: The European Association of E-Pharmacies (EAEP) represents the voice of e-pharmacies on the European continent. The EAEP promotes its interests mainly with political stakeholders, regional and business actors, with the ultimate aim to improve the health of Europe’s citizens and strengthen the European healthcare system. E-pharmacies have digitalised the classical pharmacy, and therefore act at the crossroads of digitalisation, healthcare, e-commerce and sustainability. As pioneers in providing digital solutions and our innovative and secure processes in dealing with health data, offering medicinal products and digital healthcare service while complying with national and EU law, the EAEP members continuously seek for ways to enhance the quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare for Europeans.