Data exchange standards – for more efficiency in the healthcare sector

Forum Datenaustausch (FoDa) is an association that promotes efficiency and security in the digital exchange of data between service providers and payers in the administrative healthcare system.

It actively champions the following basic aims

  • Service providers and payers use the same, jointly developed and defined standards when communicating digitally. Digital communication between service providers and payers remains secure, reliable and data privacy compliant. It boosts the efficiency of processes and contributes to a positive cost-benefit ratio for all parties involved.
  • The Forum is made up of national associations and organisations representing both service providers and payers, as well as public sector bodies. You can find a list of current members.
  • The Forum publishes the approved standards and new versions of standards along with the associated reference data, such as XML messages for electronic data interchange.

What standards does CSS support?

CSS accepts only version 4.5 or above of the standards. It does not accept older versions. The supported standards comprise:

  • Bill for services, reminder and cancellation:
    generalInvoice XML 4.5 (End of Life 30.06.2027)
    generalInvoice XML 5.0 (ab 01.01.2026)
  • Commitment to provide cover:
    generalCredit XML 4.5
  • Needs assessment:
    careCredit XML 4.5

Alternative standards such as eKarus/Ship and eCH.ch are not supported.

Important information about version generalInvoice XML 4.5:

Important information about version generalInvoice XML 4.5:
Please note: End of life for the version generalInvoice XML 4.5 applies to all service providers from 30.06.2027. From that date, benefit statements with the version XML 4.5 will no longer be accepted. Cancellation notices and reminders in XML 4.5 format will only be possible after 30.06.2027 if the original bill was also submitted in XML 4.5 format.

Please switch to the new generalInvoice XML 5.0 standard in good time.