The electronic child examination booklet (U-Heft)

In the child examination booklet, also known as the “yellow booklet” or “U-Heft”, doctors document the results of the ten early detection examinations for children. The U-Heft accompanies a child from the first examination at birth until primary school age. Parents can also use it to note their own observations and questions about the development of their child in order to discuss them with a doctor.

Since January 1, 2022, parents have been able to opt to have test results digitally stored in the electronic child examination booklet. This is part of the electronic patient record (ePA). Parents can use the app to view the results of the examinations at any time and enter their own notes.

Depending on the design of the ePA app, the digital version can offer additional functions that the printed child examination booklet cannot. For example, it can send automatic reminders for upcoming examinations.

If you choose to use the electronic child examination booklet, doctors save all results from your child’s medical check-ups in their electronic patient record (ePA).

This means that examination results cannot be lost. They are available at all times and can be constantly supplemented with new entries.

The authorization function in the ePA app allows you to “present” the electronic child examination booklet at the pediatric office at any time by granting the office access to it.

Over the years, other information such as results, lab values and diagnoses can be added. The electronic patient record saves this important information securely so that it is available at all times. For example, documents from the hospital can be provided to a pediatrician immediately without extensive searching. The decision to allow access always lies with the insured person.

The electronic patient record makes it possible to view additional, relevant examinations and results in the electronic child examination booklet that are not part of the standard child wellness examinations. This includes, for example, second opinions given by a specialist in regard to a standard child wellness examination.

Dates for the child wellness examinations and vaccinations can be calculated and recorded based on the child’s date of birth so as to provide a clearer overview. Depending on the ePA app provided by your health insurance provider, it may also be possible to receive automatic reminders for upcoming child wellness examinations. This is important because examination costs are covered by the medical insurance provider only if the child is examined within the period of time provided for it.

A lot of information in the electronic child examination booklet is added automatically, preventing errors when transferring the data.

As it is not possible to apply for an electronic patient record for a newborn before a health insurance ID number (“KVNR”) has been issued, retrospective entries can be made in the child’s electronic patient record. You can request an electronic patient record for your child from your health insurance provider free of charge.

Access to your child’s electronic patient record (ePA) and the child examination booklet stored in it is available through the ePA app offered by the health insurance provider who insures the child. If the child’s parents are insured by different health insurance providers, they may have to use an app different from their own for the child’s electronic patient record. If the child is insured by the same health insurance provider as one of the parents, that parent’s app may be used.

To prove to schools, kindergartens or institutions like the youth welfare service that child wellness examinations have been conducted, you can print out a participation card from the ePA app or download it as a PDF. It is similar to the card in the printed booklet. This means that, even with the electronic child examination booklet, third parties will not gain access to medical information.

This is theoretically possible. However, because this could lead to inconsistencies and additional effort, it is recommended that you choose one or the other.

The electronic child examination booklet is part of the electronic patient record (ePA). As legal guardian, you decide for your child who may access the examination booklet and for how long. If you want to use your electronic child examination booklet, you must grant access to the pediatric office providing service for the upcoming child wellness examination.

Similarly to the printed U-Heft, the electronic child examination booklet is based on the child guidelines issued by the Joint Federal Committee. These “guidelines for the early detection of disease in children” were defined to improve and standardize wellness checks for children. Diseases, disabilities, and developmental delays can be detected early on and treated more effectively.

If you have any questions about the structure or use of the electronic child examination booklet, please contact your health insurance provider.