1. Example from Austria ELGA – Electronic Health File

2. Background information (In a nutshell) Positive aspects 99.9% of population is covered (2011) by social health insurance Insurance funds do not compete for members (determined by occupation or place of work or residence) Unrestricted access to comprehensive care at all levels (GPs, specialists & hospitals) Benefit payment system e.g. 24- hour care for elderly people in need (reaction to demographic change) More than 90% of Austrians think that the system is “very good” or “good” (Eurobarometer) Room for improvement Coexistence of federal state and self-governing stakeholders => fragmentation of responsibilities and inadequate coordination* Unrestricted access – makes it more difficult for patients to find the care most appropriate to their condition, illness profile and personal requirements within the maze of options Inpatient sector is over-represented => better coordination needed Spending on preventive medicine is very low (2%) – “Key weakness” The costs of HCS are high Out-of-pocket payments are frequent Efficiency is low due to* Source of information: e.g. Hofmarcher M, Quentin W. Austria: Health system review. Health Systems in Transition. 2013; 15(7):1-192.

3. ELGA Electronic Health File April 2011: first trial implementation in 3 Austrian provinces 2014: ELGA launch in all areas (actively advertised for!) Content: record of medication, e-results, e-physician‘s letters (hospital discharge notices) and living wills Moreover, also net income and prescription fees already paid noted => e.g. easy administration of prescription fee cap => ensures comprehensive access to health care Personal health account accessible under: www.gesundheit.gv.at www.gesundheit.gv.at Opt-out system Conclusion: e-Health infrastructure holds great potential for greater connectivity (overcome fragmentation). Field in which Austria, in comparison, is relatively advanced.