DiGA: Explained Briefly and Clearly
Linda Weber
Psychologist
The "app on prescription": DiGAs, short for Digital Health Applications, are certified apps or web applications that support the detection, monitoring, or treatment of illnesses. Costs are generally fully covered by statutory health insurance. Here you'll find out what sets DiGAs apart, how the approval process works, and how a DiGA is prescribed.
What Is a DiGA?
DiGA stands for Digital Health Application. These are apps or web applications that support the detection, treatment, or management of illnesses. They are not ordinary health apps, but certified medical devices that have been reviewed by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
With the Digital Healthcare Act (DVG), which came into force at the end of 2019, the "app on prescription" was established in the German healthcare system. Doctors and psychotherapists can prescribe DiGAs, and statutory health insurers cover the costs in full. Many private health insurers now also cover the costs.
What Sets DiGAs Apart
Not every app may call itself a DiGA. To be approved, a DiGA must meet strict requirements:
- Efficacy: A positive healthcare effect must be demonstrated in studies, for example an improvement in health status or quality of life.
- Data protection and data security: DiGAs are subject to strict legal requirements. Data is not used for advertising purposes or shared.
- User-friendliness: The app must be genuinely usable in everyday life.
These requirements go far beyond what ordinary wellness apps must fulfil. All approved DiGAs are listed in the DiGA Directory of the BfArM.
How Is a DiGA Prescribed?
There are two routes to a DiGA:
Route 1: Prescription by a doctor or therapist
With the relevant diagnosis, a DiGA can be issued on a prescription, similar to a medication. The prescription is submitted to the health insurer, which then issues a 16-digit activation code.
Route 2: Directly through the health insurer
With proof of a confirmed diagnosis, a DiGA can also be applied for directly with the health insurer without a prescription.
For doctors and therapists: All information on the prescription process and billing arrangements is available here: Prescribing DiGAs
Which DiGAs Are Available for Anxiety Disorders?
For people with panic disorder, agoraphobia, or social phobia, Mindable Health offers two approved DiGAs:
- Mindable: Panic & Agoraphobia for panic attacks and agoraphobia
- Mindable: Social Phobia for social anxiety
Both programmes are based on cognitive behavioural therapy, proven effective in studies, and immediately available – with no waiting time.
Mindable Health
Digital Help for Anxiety Disorders
Scientifically grounded, flexible for everyday use, and available free on prescription. Mindable Health's therapy programmes help to overcome anxiety in the long term.
Learn more
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Conclusion
- What is a DiGA? A certified app or web application supporting the management of illnesses, approved as a medical device and prescribable like a medication.
- Advantages: Immediately available, flexibly usable in everyday life, no waiting time, and proven effective in studies.
- Particularly for mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders: Those waiting for a therapy place can make productive use of the time with a DiGA. For example, Mindable: Panic & Agoraphobia or Mindable: Social Phobia offer a structured, evidence-based programme directly on your smartphone.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
