Rob & Sandra's My Health Record story
Rob and his wife Sandra use My Health Record when they travel, to give their healthcare providers a convenient snapshot of their health.
What is My Health Record?
My Health Record is an online summary of your key health information. It shows important health information such as existing conditions, current medications and your Indigenous status, if you choose.
When you have a My Health Record, your health information can be viewed securely online, from anywhere, at any time – in the city, remote communities and even if you travel or move interstate. You can access your health information from any computer, phone or tablet that’s connected to the internet.
My Health Record is a secure system that puts you in control. You choose which trusted healthcare providers can access your records and what information is stored there.
Parts of the Northern Territory have been using elements of the My Health Record system for more than seven years.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have already seen positive health benefits of My Health Record including:
- Connected care – Your health information is available in one place and can be accessed by doctors, specialists, hospital staff and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health practitioners. It means healthcare providers have a more complete view of your needs.
- Portable healthcare – A digital record will make it easier to move between healthcare providers, without having to repeat your medical history on every visit. You can access your My Health Record wherever you go, whether you’re travelling for your health needs or to visit family. This will be particularly useful if you have a chronic health condition, take lots of different medications, or need extra support.
- Emergency help – In an emergency situation, healthcare providers can temporarily access your information, including allergies and current medications, to ensure you get the best care.
- Better health experience – My Health Record builds your medical history over time. Healthcare providers will not have to spend time searching for missing information, providing you with a better experience.
Identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in My Health Record
Your Closing the Gap (CTG) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Co-payment Measure will not be visible in the My Health Record.
When you first set up your My Health Record you will be asked whether you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or both. This information will assist in planning and providing appropriate and improved healthcare and services, but will not entitle you to access the CTG PBS Co-Payment Measure. No proof needs to be provided to identify. You may also choose not to identify.
Managing your My Health Record
You might like help with your My Health Record from someone you trust, like a family member or carer.
You can choose to register that person as a nominated representative so they can manage your My Health Record on your behalf. This could be important if you have chronic health conditions or if you are an elder who would like extra support.
To learn more, find a My Health Record information session near you on our Facebook page.
A My Health Record for every Australian in 2018
This year, you will get a My Health Record unless you tell us you don’t want one. If you want a My Health Record, you don’t have to do anything. A secure My Health Record will be created for you by the end of 2018 if you have a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card.
How to opt out of getting a My Health Record
If you don't have a My Health Record, and don't want one created for you, you will need to opt out between 16 July and 15 November 2018. Find out how you can opt out.
“Australia is a big place, especially if you’re looking at where indigenous people live. Many of them are travelling for health reasons. My Health Record means they don’t have to carry their documents – their record goes with them.”
Robert Ooi
