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.
This can help you get the right treatment. You don’t need to be sick to benefit from having a My Health Record. It’s a convenient way to record and track your health information over time.
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.
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. As more people use the My Health Record system, Australia’s national health system becomes better connected. The result is safer, faster and more efficient care for you and your family.
If you don't have a My Health Record, and don't want one created for you, you can opt out between 16 July and 15 November 2018. Find out how you can opt out.
When will I get a My Health Record?
The new records will be available by the end of 2018. If you want a My Health Record before then you can register now.
My Health Record in practice - Tiger's story
Lionel Corrigan, affectionately known as 'Tiger', is no stranger to the medical system, having had his first ‘heart turn’ over 20 years ago.
Many chronic health conditions, including irregular blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer, emphysema and a triple bypass, have seen him in and out of hospitals multiple times. See how My Health Record has helped Tiger with his care.
