The Vitale card will soon have a dematerialized version, accessible on your smartphone via the free “apCV” application. And this, everywhere in France by 2025. How to obtain the digital Vitale card? Is it mandatory?
The Vitale card is modernized! Soon this device will be dematerialized and directly integrated on your phone through an application named “apCV”. Handy if you tend to forget it when you go to the doctor! For the moment tested only in 12 departments, the dematerialized Vitale card (or e-card Vitale) will be deployed everywhere in France by 2025, according to a decree published in the Official Journal December 30, 2022. How to download the application and obtain your dematerialized Vitale card? Activate it? Use it at the doctor? Is it mandatory?
What is a dematerialized Vitale card?
The dematerialized Vitale card (digital Vitale card) or the Vital e-card is a dematerialized alternative to the physical Vitale card, which will however continue to exist (those who prefer the physical version or who do not have a smartphone can therefore continue to use it). This e-card offers the same functions as the physical card, in particular with regard to the management of care sheets and automatic refunds, without having to take the slightest step with their health insurance organization. The Vitale e-card is accessible for everyone on smartphone and tablet through theapplication “apCV“, which is very practical because it allows you to have a dematerialized version of your Vitale card on your phone.
To obtain the dematerialized card, the person must:
- Download theapplication “apCV“ (free application) from a smartphone or tablet (available on AppleStore or GooglePlay)
- To inform their social security number in the app
- Make a video capture of his identity document (passport or identity card)
- Make a video selfie
- Set password to four digits in order to protect their data.
- The insured’s card is then activated.
What is the apCV application that contains the dematerialized Vitale card?
To use your dematerialized Vitale card, you must therefore download apCV free app (available on iPhone or Android). This application contains surnames, first name(s), gender or sex, quality (opening right, child, etc.), the mandatory organization of attachment, the national health identifier (INS) and usage monitoring data. It guarantees a Protection of personal data and provides access to:
- SESAM-Vitale invoicing (remote transmission)
- To the integrated teleservices of the Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO)
- Pharmaceutical records (for pharmacists).
Among the upcoming features, the application apCV will include data from mutual insurance companies, will delegate their Vitale card to a trusted third party for a limited period (for grandparents looking after their grandchildren, for example, or when the patient cannot go to the pharmacy) and will provide safe access to online health services.
During the consultation, the healthcare professional (doctor, optician, pharmacist, etc.) must scan the QR code which is displayed in the apCV application or use an NFC reader (technology allowing data to be exchanged between a reader and any compatible mobile terminal, in the same way as bank card terminals) on which the patient lays down his smartphone. For now, the new card can only be used in the departments where it is tested (Rhône, Alpes-Maritimes, Saône-et-Loire, Seine-Maritime, Bas-Rhin, Nord, Gironde, Hérault, Loire-Atlantique , Sarthe, Puy-de-Dôme, Paris) and only with certain healthcare professionals who have updated their billing software, and who have an NFC or QR Code reader.
When will it be available everywhere in France?
Since 2021, the dematerialized Vitale card has been experienced in 12 departments : Rhône, Alpes-Maritimes, Saône-et-Loire, Seine-Maritime, Bas-Rhin, North, Gironde, Hérault, Loire-Atlantique, Sarthe, Puy-de-Dôme, Paris. It will gradually be deployed throughout France, following a decree published in the Official newspaper December 30, 2022 which indicates a provision everywhere in France which must be completed “no later than December 31, 2025″.
Is the dematerialized Vitale card compulsory?
No. The physical Vitale card will continue to exist. Once fully deployed, theuser will have to choose between the two Vitale card formats (physical or dematerialized).
What are the advantages of the dematerialized Vitale card?
The dematerialized Vitale card allows several things:
► Avoid oversights (a patient is generally always in possession of his smartphone) and losses
► Avoid updates of the Vitale card (which will therefore be done at the same time as the updates of the application)
► Simplify access to health data for patients and caregivers and ensure that remote transmissions are always ensured
► Secure the path of the care sheets by avoiding problems, such as rejected invoices and errors (a health professional can consult the medico-administrative situation of a beneficiary for the development of an electronic care sheet)
► Allow you to track your healthcare expenses directly via the application
► Limit physical contact by exchanging the card.
Is the dematerialized Vitale card available for the MSA?
Yes. As with the Caisses d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM), the dematerialized Carte Vitale will be available for policyholders who depend on the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA)
Sources: Service-public.fr / Health insurance website (Ameli) / MSA