Luxembourg's eSanté Agency is advancing on multiple fronts – improving existing digital health platforms while preparing for European integration and AI enhancements in healthcare administration.
On Tuesday morning, our colleagues from RTL Radio spoke with Marc Hostert, President of the eSanté Agency's administrative board, about progress in healthcare digitalisation.
Hostert reported significant developments in Luxembourg's shared electronic health record system (DSP), noting growing acceptance among patients and medical professionals.
While all Luxembourg residents automatically receive a DSP, activation is required for use. Of the 1.2 million existing DSPs, approximately 200,000 are currently active. Patients who do not want a DSP can request to have it closed. However, opt-out rates remain remarkably low at just 0.16%, a figure that continues to decline as digital healthcare becomes more normalised.
Upcoming improvements
The eSanté Agency is working on multiple enhancements to the system. A redesigned, more intuitive DSP interface is expected by late 2025, alongside new digital prescription capabilities. The platform continues to expand its accessible medical data, currently including test results and imaging reports, with more features planned.
European integration on the horizon
Hostert outlined two major future developments. The first, AI will allow doctors to view a summary of a patient's medical history on their PC even before appointments. Hostert argued that this would alleviate administrative burdens and allow medical professionals to focus on their actual work.
The second, the European Health Record System, with a March 2029 implementation deadline, will enable cross-border treatment visibility. This system will allow Luxembourg doctors to access records of care received elsewhere in Europe, while giving EU providers access to relevant DSP information.
Direct Payment System gains momentum among Luxembourg doctors
The eSanté Agency's Immediate Direct Payment (PID) system continues to expand its reach, with 1,650 physicians now participating – representing nearly half of Luxembourg's approximately 3,500 doctors. The system eliminates upfront payments by patients, requiring them to pay only the portion not covered by the National Health Fund (CNS).
Hostert acknowledged initial challenges with the PID rollout but emphasised its current growth trajectory. "We're now seeing steady monthly increases in physician participation", he noted.
