AOK Freising-Erding: 111 years for health and future!

AOK Freising-Erding: 111 years for health and future!

The AOK Bayern Directorate Freising-Erding is celebrating a very special anniversary this year: 111 years of existence. The health insurance company was founded in 1914 as a small institution for employees in agriculture and forestry. Today, the AOK has around 119,200 insured people in the Freising and Erding region and relies on prevention, personal advice and proximity to its members. The director's work, which Heinrich Hecht has headed since 2021, is shaped by his over 40 years of experience - a solid foundation for the further development of the fund.

In the branches in Dorfen, Erding, Freising, Moosburg and Neufahrn it is clear how important personal contact with the insured is. Hecht, who began his career in 1982 as a trainee at AOK Freising, has experienced many touching encounters with insured people. This personal touch is a cornerstone of the AOK and runs through the entire work.

Advances and challenges in healthcare

The most important innovations that AOK has accompanied in recent years are medical advances and innovations. For example, the chances of survival for premature births have improved significantly, which offers a ray of hope for many affected families. However, there are also challenges: In some cases, you find yourself personally powerless when fate strikes unpredictably.

Looking into the future, Hecht sees the AOK in a leading role in the statutory health insurance system. The use of cutting-edge technologies, including digital medical care, artificial intelligence and improved treatment methods, will be crucial for the coming years. Digitalization in the healthcare system is not only reflected in AOK's offerings, but is also supported by external analyzes and statistics. According to Statista, the global market for digital health applications could grow to over 235 billion euros by 2029, underlining the relevance of this development.

The path to digital healthcare

Digitalization is permanently changing the healthcare system through technologies such as digital therapeutics, telemedicine and electronic patient records. These innovations promise more efficient and patient-oriented care, especially for chronic illnesses. Since 2021, doctors have been allowed to prescribe digital health applications (DiGA) that are in a special directory. There are currently 59 DiGA listed and legal improvements are being worked on to ensure the quality and usefulness of these applications.

Online appointments with specialists offer a flexible alternative to traditional doctor visits. However, only up to 50 percent of the treatments may be carried out via video consultation in order to maintain personal contact. This is an important step because, according to a survey from 2024, almost half of insured people prefer personal arrangements to online appointments.

The electronic patient file will be used nationwide from April 29, 2025 and is intended to optimize the exchange of medical information between doctors. However, in view of increasing digitalization, the topics of cybersecurity and data protection are also taking center stage. The social association VdK Germany has already pointed out the challenges for people with disabilities and is calling for more accessibility in the digital healthcare system.

The AOK Bayern Directorate Freising-Erding is optimistic: People will be over 100 years old in the future and the health insurance fund will continue to play a central role in a healthy and long life. With a good knack for innovative solutions, AOK is ready to shape the path to sustainable healthcare.