This year, the Australian Government are introducing ‘My Health Record’, a digital record allowing a patient to access a summary of their health information securely online. The record can also be accessed by health practitioners who are directly involved with the patient.
The system has changed and is now based on an ‘opt-out’ process: a ‘My Health Record’ will be created for all Australians unless they choose to opt-out before October 15. Anyone can opt-out at any time by visiting myhealthrecord.gov.au – it is also possible to opt back in later.
This article from the ABC shares some topical concerns and discussion points around My Health Record.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the team at Premier Health Partners.
The below information is extracted directly from the My Health Record website:
My Health Record is an online summary of your key health information.
When you have a My Health Record, your health information can be viewed securely online, from anywhere, at any time – even if you move or travel interstate. You can access your health information from any computer or device that’s connected to the internet.
Whether you’re visiting a GP for a check-up, or in an emergency room following an accident and are unable to talk, healthcare providers involved in your care can access important health information, such as:• allergies
• medicines you are taking
• medical conditions you have been diagnosed with
• pathology test results like blood tests.
You control your record
You can choose to share your health information with the healthcare providers involved in your care.
If you wish, you can manage your My Health Record by adding your own information and choosing your privacy and security settings. For example, you can:
• add personal notes about your allergies and allergic reactions, an advance care plan or custodian details
• set access controls to restrict who can and can’t see your health information
• review your own health information, and seethe information your healthcare providers can see
• set up SMS or email notifications so you know when a healthcare provider first accesses your record.
Next time you see your doctor, ask them to add your health information to your My Health Record.
By allowing your doctors to upload, view and share documents in your My Health Record, they will have a more detailed picture with which to make decisions, diagnose and provide treatment to you. You can also ask that some information not be uploaded to your record.
