My Health Record is expanding and by the end of 2018, a record will be created for every person with a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card, unless they choose not to have one.
Already 5.8 million Australians have a My Health Record.
My Health Record is a secure online summary of a person’s health information. Having a record means important health information including allergies, medical conditions and treatments, medicine details, and scan reports can be accessed through one system. It also allows people to take more control of their own health and wellbeing, manage their children’s health, and upload key documents, like advanced care directives.
Protecting patient information is critical and the My Health Record system has strong safeguards in place to protect the health data. It is also subject to some of the strongest legislation in the world to prevent unauthorised use.
During the three month opt-out period (16 July to 15 October 2018), people will have the opportunity to indicate if they want to opt out. In the lead up to the opt out period, more information is available at the My Health Record website.
