Medication plan From three medications have a plan prepared by the doctor

Patients can have a plan prepared by the doctor starting with three drugs
About one in four in Germany takes several pills a day. Especially older people are often dependent on a larger number of drugs. In order to keep a better eye on the dosage and the time of day, it may be useful to get a medication plan from the doctor.

Protection against medication errors
Two pills in the morning, one midday and another drug in the evening - in this country, a very large part of the population relies on the intake of several medicines. Especially seniors can quickly lose track of things. In order to better protect yourself as a patient from medication errors, it may make sense to have a doctor issue a medication plan.

Any patient who takes at least three medications that the health insurance company pays can have their physician issue a medication plan. (Image: Henrik Dolle / fotolia.com)

Claim for medication plan
In its magazine "Neue Apotheken Illustrierte" (January 1, 2017 issue), the Federal Association of German Pharmacists' Associations points out that anyone who takes at least three medications paid by the health insurance company is entitled to such a plan.

Especially for seniors this should be helpful to keep track of medications taken. "With the medication plan, we ensure more therapeutic safety when taking medicines. Especially for older, chronic and multiple ill people that is a great help, "said Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe in a press release.

Avoid revenue errors and interactions
In addition to the name of the respective medication, the plan also contains the active substances contained and the dosage determined by the doctor. It also indicates why the remedy was prescribed and how it is to be taken. This allows the patient to check at any time whether he has to take a tablet before or after eating.

"Patients can see at a glance when to take which medicine in which amount. And the doctor or pharmacist knows immediately which medicine the insured person is currently using. As a result, revenue errors or dangerous interactions can be avoided, "Gröhe said.

When changes update plan
According to ministry information, the preparation and updating of the medication plan should be carried out by the doctor, who primarily cares for the patient and coordinates the medically necessary therapy and diagnostic measures.

Usually these are the family doctors. Pharmacists are required to update the plan at the request of the patient if the medication changes.

Medication plan should be stored on health card in the future
From 2018, the medication plan should also be saved on the electronic health card in addition to the paper printout. The basis for the introduction of the federally standardized medication plan is the E-Health Act, which came into force at the end of last year. (Ad)