On June 28, 2025 – the implementation date of the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) – most medical and dental practices across Germany must make significant changes to their digital presence. At Reppocrates, we understand the challenge you face: adapting to new legal requirements. Our specialized webinars offer comprehensive knowledge about the BFSG to support your professional development – especially for dentists.

We currently offer online seminars on the topic of BFSG for dentists, with legal and technical experts participating. Participants receive 2 continuing education points.

Requirements of the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act

The Barrier-Free Act, the German implementation of the European Accessibility Act, marks a fundamental change in how healthcare providers must approach digital accessibility. This legal obligation affects all businesses, including medical practices, and requires that digital services and products be accessible to people with disabilities.

For most medical practices, this means that websites, online booking systems, patient portals, and digital communication channels must comply with accessibility requirements by June 2025. This includes consideration not only of physical limitations but also cognitive and sensory limitations of patients. A patient-friendly approach must encompass all digital applications.

The key areas requiring adaptations include:

  • Practice websites and online presence
  • Digital appointment booking systems
  • Patient communication platforms
  • Mobile applications
  • Electronic services and e-commerce functions

Exceptions and Special Considerations for Doctors

The BFSG stipulates some special requirements and exceptions for certain specialties. In particular, ophthalmologists must take additional measures beyond their regular legal requirements, as they frequently treat patients with limited vision.

For all medical professionals: Providing barrier-free websites and accessible online presence is also an opportunity to improve communication with patients. Services must be designed so that they can be used by people with various limitations.

An important special consideration: So-called micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees or less than 2 million euros in turnover) that exclusively offer physical services and do not distribute digital products are generally exempt from the regulation.

Accessibility as a Ranking Factor

What many practice owners are slowly realizing: accessibility has long since become a Google ranking factor. Google loves barrier-free websites and prioritizes user-friendly websites in its search results. This means concrete SEO advantages for practices that transition early.

Factors that positively impact your ranking include:

  • Clear navigation with distinct structures
  • High color contrasts for better readability
  • Text alternatives for images
  • Accessible websites for all user groups

Accessibility for apps and mobile applications also plays an increasingly important role. Have your digital presence regularly tested for accessibility to ensure maximum user-friendliness.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the BFSG threatens significant fines – up to €100,000 – which can affect not only the financial stability of your practice but also the reputation of the practice. Besides governmental controls, practice owners must also expect warnings from competitors or interest groups.

In extreme cases, websites may even be ordered to shut down if they do not meet the legal requirements. The BFSG gives affected individuals concrete legal claims that they can enforce.

Technical Adjustments and Tools

Various testing tools are available for implementing accessibility, which identify problems and offer solution proposals. Particularly important is the adaptation of booking systems and e-commerce functions so that people with mobility restrictions or visual impairments can use your services without problems.

The technical adjustments affect all digital products of your practice and must be implemented systematically. These include:

  • Adaptation of online forms
  • Optimization of contrast settings
  • Implementation of voice output functions
  • Simplification of navigation elements
  • Structuring of content for assistive technologies

Implementation of Accessibility on Websites

The implementation of accessibility requirements on your practice website must comply with the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1, Level AA). These standards define how digital content should be made accessible to people with various limitations.

Your telemedia must be compatible with screen readers so that visually impaired users can access your content (Screen Readers Compatibility). Other assistive technologies must also be supported to enable access for all patients.

Particularly important is accessibility in electronic commerce services – anywhere patients book appointments online, request prescriptions, or use other digital services. All digital products must meet the requirements for Web Content Accessibility.

Benefits of Accessibility

Implementing accessibility brings numerous benefits that go beyond mere legal compliance. A barrier-free web presence improves the overall patient experience and creates genuine participation for all.

The increased user-friendliness and accessibility benefit not only people with limitations but all patients. By using understandable language, considering color barriers, and optimizing for screen reader compatibility, you create a real competitive advantage.

Practice-oriented solutions such as a barrier-free online reception and multilingualism expand your potential patient circle and strengthen equal opportunities in healthcare.

Upcoming Webinars for Dental Practices

As the June 2025 deadline rapidly approaches, we have planned a series of specialized webinars to help particularly dental practices prepare efficiently:

  • April 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM: “BFSG Basics for Dental Practices”
  • May 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM: “BFSG Basics for Dental Practices”
  • May 27, 2025, at 7:00 PM: “BFSG Basics for Dental Practices”
  • June 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM: “BFSG Basics for Dental Practices”

Registration includes:

  • Participation in the live webinar
  • Comprehensive implementation resources
  • 30-day access to recordings for review
  • Email support for post-webinar questions

Conclusion: Prepare Your Practice

The Barrier-Free Strengthening Act presents both challenges and opportunities for medical practices across Germany. By participating in Reppocrates’ specialized webinars, you gain the practical knowledge necessary to ensure compliance and improve the patient experience.

With less than four months until the implementation deadline, now is the time to prepare your practice. Join the forward-thinking medical professionals who view accessibility not just as a legal requirement but as an opportunity to improve patient care and practice operations.

Contact Reppocrates today to secure your place in our upcoming webinar series and take a significant step toward BFSG compliance.