German pharmacist wins landmark case against health insurer over forged prescriptions
A pharmacist from Wiesbaden has won a legal battle against a health insurer over a clawback of more than €9,800. The dispute began after Turm-Apotheke dispensed three expensive medications based on forged prescriptions in 2017. The supreme court's decision now sets a precedent for how similar cases could be handled in the future.
In 2017, Turm-Apotheke in Wiesbaden unknowingly dispensed three high-cost drugs using fake prescriptions. The health insurer later demanded a repayment of €14,599.02, claiming the pharmacist had failed to spot the forgeries. The pharmacist contested this, taking the case to the supreme court.
The ruling means the pharmacist will recover most of the disputed sum, along with interest. It also clarifies that insurers cannot automatically assume negligence based on minor prescription errors. The decision may now influence how future disputes between pharmacies and health insurers are resolved.
