From 1 January 2026, elective medical practitioners (“Wahlärzt:innen”) in Austria will be legally required to connect their practices to the national e-Card system. This change is part of the ongoing healthcare reform and represents a significant adjustment for your practice technically and organisationally.

We’ve put together clear and practical guidance for you to ensure you’re fully prepared and can manage this transition smoothly.

Contents

Why will the e-card be mandatory for optional physicians?

From 1 January 2026, elective physicians (“Wahlärzt:innen”) in Austria must be able to read their patients’ e-cards and link them to the billing system. What is already standard practice for statutory health insurance physicians will also become standard for physicians in elective private practice.

Specifically, this means that elective general practitioners will also have access to digital services such as e-prescriptions or the electronic health record (ELGA).

This innovation complements the obligation to transmit fee notes electronically (WAHonline) to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), which has been in force since July 2024. This obligation applies to all elective physicians who treat more than 300 different patients per year and whose invoices are submitted for reimbursement.

Further information is available from the Vienna Medical Chamber and the Medical Chamber of Lower Austria.

What does the e-Card requirement mean for your practice?

For your practice to use the e-Card system, you need to meet several technical requirements:

Technical connection: Your practice needs a stable and secure connection to the Austrian healthcare network via an authorised network operator.
Use of digital services: You can access digital services such as e-prescription and ELGA (e.g. e-referral, e-medication).
Patient identification: In the future, you can use the e-card to secure patient identification and manage patient data directly in your practice.

Certain services, such as the electronic notification of incapacity for work (eAUM) and the electronic communication service (eKOS), will remain reserved for contracted doctors.

Step-by-step guide to implementation

As the 2026 deadline approaches, it’s worth taking action now. The following steps will help you plan and ensure a smooth transition with no surprises.

Step 1: Research and compare providers

Look for certified network providers to connect your practice to the e-Card system in time. An up-to-date overview of all authorised providers can be found on the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) website or at chipkarte.at.

Monthly costs can range between €90 and €150, depending on bandwidth and device number. Hardware and one-off installation costs can also range between €500 and €1,000.

Get several quotes and look for price, performance, and, most importantly, good support for technical problems.

Step 2: Make sure your software is compatible

Check that your current practice software is compatible with the e-card interface. Clarify this directly with your software supplier in good time. An early start will ensure you have plenty of time to make changes if necessary.

Step 3: Choose The Appropriate e-Card Modules

Alongside the mandatory connection to the e-Card system, certain optional modules can incur additional expenses. Carefully consider which modules are essential for your practice:

e-Prescription (mandatory):

Required by law for prescribing electronically.

e-Private Prescription (optional):

Not mandatory—you can continue issuing paper prescriptions. More information: The Vienna Medical Chamber and the Medical Chamber of Lower Austria

e-Vaccination Record (optional):

Relatively expensive and not compulsory. Vaccinations can still be registered digitally at no extra cost without booking this module. More information: The Vienna Medical Chamber and the Medical Chamber of Lower Austria.

Still, Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

The mandatory integration of the e-Card system can seem challenging, especially if you’re unsure about choosing the right provider, technical details, or practical implementation. But you don’t have to handle everything alone.

IT United offers clear, individualised, and reliable support. In a free initial consultation, we’ll discuss your practice’s specific situation and develop a practical, stress-free plan to ensure you’re fully prepared well before the deadline.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. We look forward to supporting you and your practice!

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Step 4: Technical Implementation and Registration with the ÖGK

Once you have selected your provider, finalise the contract and begin technical preparations:

Installation and testing:

Set up the required hardware and establish a stable internet connection. Test thoroughly to identify and resolve technical issues early.

Registration with the ÖGK:

Officially register your practice with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK). Activate your e-Card connection with the appropriate billing department.

For support with registration, contact the ÖGK directly:

Contact person: Hannes Sallmutter (hannes.sallmutter@oegk.at / +43 50766 123304)

Step 5: Staff Training

Train your practice staff well in advance to ensure everyone feels confident using the new e-Card system. Allocate sufficient time for training to avoid stress and operational disruptions.

Step 6: Official Launch

From 1 January 2026 onwards, your practice will operate with the e-Card system. This structured approach gives you enough time for thorough preparation and ensures seamless integration into your daily practice routine.

Looking for an IT partner that understands your industry?

IT United offers tailor-made IT solutions for the healthcare, legal and corporate sectors. From IT security to maintenance and digitalisation, we ensure that your IT is stable and efficient.

Arrange a free initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Send us your enquiry or call us on +43 1 2266 2266 to arrange an appointment.

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Data Security, IT Services for Medical Practices

ecard for elective physicians (“Wahlärzt:innen”) in Austria mandatory from 2026: Practical steps for successful implementation

Why will the e-card be mandatory for optional physicians?

What does the e-Card requirement mean for your practice?

Step-by-step guide to implementation

Step 1: Research and compare providers

Step 2: Make sure your software is compatible

Step 3: Choose The Appropriate e-Card Modules

e-Prescription (mandatory):

e-Private Prescription (optional):

e-Vaccination Record (optional):

Still, Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Step 4: Technical Implementation and Registration with the ÖGK

Installation and testing:

Registration with the ÖGK:

Step 5: Staff Training

Step 6: Official Launch

Looking for an IT partner that understands your industry?

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ecard for elective physicians (“Wahlärzt:innen”) in Austria mandatory from 2026: Practical steps for successful implementation

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Mauro Caprioli