The Madison Medical Practice has received many questions and valid concerns from our patients regarding this Government initiative and whilst there has been serious questions raised over the protection of the type of patient data being held and who can access the information, we see it important that our patients have all the facts to make an informed decision whether you wish to have a MyHealth record or not.
At this stage the Government has extended the OPT out period until the 31ST January 2019, to change the laws governing access to these records, so please take this time to read below so you understand your rights. If you have any further questions you can speak to your our treating doctors or visit www.myhealthrecord.gov.au or call the MyHealth hotline on 1800 723 471.
Why have a MyHealth Record
The aim of having a My Health Record, is to assist with your health information so it 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.
It is aimed to 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 see the information your healthcare providers can see
- set up SMS or email notifications so you know when a healthcare provider first accesses your record.
If you are happy to have this information uploaded or please speak to our doctors and nurses.
By allowing your doctor 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
At this stage the Government has advised that in 2019, that all patients like 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 until 31 January 2019. To OPT out please see below.
A My Health Record will be created for every Australian who wants one after 31 January 2019. After then, you can permanently delete your record at any time. If you change your mind, you can also re-register for one in the future.
If you don’t want a record created for you after 31 January 2019, you can OPT online.
What to expect when logging into My Health Record for the first time
The first time you log into your My Health Record there may be little or no information in it. There may be up to two years’ worth of Medicare information such as doctor visits under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), as well as your Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims history. If you choose, you can remove this information after you log in.
Information will be added after you visit your GP, nurse or pharmacist. You can add your personal health information and notes straight away.
Uploading old tests and scans
Your medical history, such as older tests and scan reports, will not be automatically uploaded to your My Health Record. Only new reports can be uploaded by participating pathology labs or diagnostic imaging providers.
Talk to your doctor about uploading a shared health summary to your My Health Record. This summary can capture important past health information such as results from previous tests or scans, which can be shared with your other treating healthcare providers.
A My Health Record will be created for every Australian who wants one after 31 January 2019. After then, you can permanently delete your record at any time. It’s your choice.
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.
You will need to verify your identity, and provide personal details such as your name and date of birth.
You don’t need a myGov account to complete the opt-out process, go to www.myhealthrecord.gov.au
Information you will need to opt out
To opt out of My Health Record, you need to verify your identity.
You will need:
- your Medicare Card, or Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) card, and
- one of the following forms of Australian identification:
- your driver licence; or
- your passport; or
- your ImmiCard
If you need assistance, you can contact the Help line on 1800 723 471. If you have a hearing or speech impairment go to relayservice.gov.au. If you need assistance in another language call 131450
If you have lost your Medicare card, or don’t know your Medicare number, contact Medicare to find out your details. Note that you may experience wait times when contacting the Department of Human Services call centre.