French Carte vitale card to be replaced with an app

A so-called apCV is being trialled from this summer in the Rhône and Alpes-Maritimes with the aim of rolling it out by 2021. Those without smartphones will be able to continue using cards.

It is expected that the two systems will continue in tandem for some time.

As well as allowing users to validate their reimbursements, the app will have other features such as access to medical information and their personal space on the Cpam ameli.fr site.

Patients’ reimbursement rights will be automatically updated on the app with no need to visit a machine at the pharmacy.

The project comes as part of 26 proposals put forward by Health Minister Agnès Buzyn to embrace digital technologies.

It follows telemedicine and the creation of a dossier médical partagé, and the minister now wants to launch virtual prescriptions that pharmacists can receive electronically following a patient’s visit to a doctor.

They will be able to prepare the order before the patient arrives. The prescription would also be available online at the patient’s account. Trials of this are planned this year and implementation in 2020.