Sandra's My Health Record story
Over the past few years, Sandra has been on and off medications and in and out of hospital. After registering for a My Health Record, she’s been able to keep track of all of her prescriptions and medical visits in one place.
What is My Health Record?
My Health Record is an online summary of your key health information. For Australians with a chronic condition, My Health Record will make it significantly easier for you to take control of your healthcare.
When you have a My Health Record, healthcare providers can upload important information as it happens and provide a more detailed picture of your health needs.
Importantly, My Health Record is a secure system that puts you in control. You decide what information is stored on your record and who is able to access it.
My Health Record will deliver better health outcomes if you're managing a chronic condition including:
- Better treatment outcomes – Your health information is available in one place and can be accessed by treating doctors, specialists and hospital staff. This gives your healthcare providers a clearer picture of your health needs to inform their clinical decisions and diagnoses.
- You’re in control – You decide what information healthcare providers have access to and maintain control over your documents.
- Portable healthcare – A digital record makes it easier to move between healthcare providers, without having to repeat your entire medical history on every visit.
- Safer care – In a medical emergency, doctors can temporarily view your information, including allergies and current medications, to provide you with the best possible treatment. It also means if you're unable to communicate your health details, hospital staff will have access to your health information.
- Keeping track – You can access details of test results, diagnostic reports and prescribed medicines or upload additional health information. This reduces the need for repeated tests, and means you don't need to remember all of the details.
Managing your My Health Record
My Health Record is secure and protected by law.
Depending on your personal circumstances, you may choose to nominate a trusted person such as a family member or carer to be registered as a nominated representative. They can look after your My Health Record on your behalf. This could be particularly important if you have a chronic condition that requires extra support.
To learn more, find a My Health Record information session near you.
Kelly has complex health needs, managing her bipolar disorder with Multiple Sclerosis. Before My Health Record, Kelly had to maintain a binder full of paper records, to take with her to different doctors and specialists. Now she’s able to direct doctors to her online medical history. Recently, Kelly changed one of her medications on the advice of a specialist who did not inform her local GP. Instead of having to remember the name of the new medication, Kelly was able to direct her GP to her My Health Record, where the new prescription was easily found and checked against her other medications.
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.
“My Health Record is something that has actually aided my health journey. I can see where my health is at, at any one time. I know the results, I know what I’m tracking and I can adjust accordingly. Doctors can tell you how you are but you’re the best person to know how you’re feeling.”
Quentin Kenihan, author, speaker and disability advocate
