First reimbursable health apps in Germany

In early October 2020, the first reimbursable health apps were introduced on the Directory of digital health applications (DiGAs) at the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). These applications can be prescribed by physicians and psychotherapists and will be reimbursed by health insurers.

So far, two health apps are available at the DiGA Directory: Kalmeda and Velibra.

The Kalmeda app (mynoise GmbH, Germany) offers patients aged at least 18 years old guideline-based cognitive behavioral therapy tinnitus management. It is available only in German and can be downloaded via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The Velibra app (GAIA AG, Germany) is a web-based program designed to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder. The program is intended as a supplement to otherwise usual treatment (for example, by the family physician) for patients who are at least 18 years old. Velibra is prescribed for 90 days. Use for 180 days is recommended to stabilize the effects. The app is available in English and German.

The statutory health insurance will fully cover the price of the apps (€116.97 for Kalmeda and €476 for Velibra).

The full details in German can be found here.

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