The electronic healthcare card is viewed in Germany as an opportunity for a modern healthcare system. Experts estimate that more than 500 million euros can be saved in Germany annually. Behind this number are intelligent server solutions, billions and billions of data bits, highly-developed security technology, digital hospitals, networked physicians, and above all: a focus on patients.

At Medica 2006 Siemens is exhibiting the first functional scenario for integrated healthcare in Germany, including cards, connector, and mandatory and value-added services. Medica visitors can discover how integrated healthcare could work in the future. For this scenario, Siemens already satisfies the stringent data protection and security requirements of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) regarding the confidential processing and transfer of patient data.

Siemens Medical Solutions shows syngo WebSpace, a client-server computed tomography (CT) workplace solution, at Medica 2006 from November 15 through 18, 2006.

The European market for continuous glucose monitoring systems is in its nascent phase. Despite its promising potential, industry participants remain wary due to concerns over reimbursement and acceptance by conservative clinicians. However, the projected integration of continuous glucose monitoring systems with insulin pumps will support market expansion.

Siemens has been given the green light to acquire the diagnostics division of Bayer Healthcare without restrictions. The approval was granted yesterday by the European Commission, following the earlier approval by U.S. antitrust authorities at the beginning of October. This follows the acquisition of the U.S. firm Diagnostic Products Corporation (DPC), which was completed at the end of July.

Siemens has bundled its expertise in the area of healthcare telematics by transferring the product business of Com's enterprise systems security unit to Med. The transfer includes Com's smartcard-based security solutions unit, which is responsible, among other things, for developing the electronic health card. Med will also acquire the product business of Com's identity and access management unit and network and systems security unit.

The new HIMSS initiative is focused on bringing together healthcare IT professionals in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, or EMEA, who share the common goal of improving the delivery of healthcare through information technology and management systems.