My Health Record: Not a retro music format

“You spin me right round, baby
Right round like a record, baby
Right round, round, round.” Dead or Alive 1985

If you’re all turned around and confused about My Health Record – what is it, is it secure, should I have one, should I opt-out – you’re not alone.

So we’ve put together some basic information to get you started. Now’s the time for you to get your research hat on and make some informed decisions about your health records. Because by the end of this year, all Australians will have a My Health Record, unless you opt-out by 15 November.

What is it?

My Health Record is the national digital health record system. It’s an online summary of your key health information. It aims to provide faster and more efficient care for you and your family.

You can decide what goes into your health record, and who can access it.

When you have a My Health Record, your health information can be viewed securely online, from anywhere, at any time. This is especially important in an emergency.

Your health record may include information such as:

• allergies
• medicines you’re taking
• your medical conditions
• test results (e.g. blood tests)
• referrals to specialists
• your Medicare claim history
• if you’re an organ donor
• reports on your scans and imaging (e.g. ultrasound or x-ray results)
• emergency contact information.

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.

It will also mean you can access and view your own health records as soon as they’ve been uploaded.

It’s up to you

By the end of the year, everyone will have a My Health Record, unless you decide not to have one. So you have a choice to make.

• You can register for a My Health Record now.
  www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family/howtos/register-for-my-health-record
• You can do nothing, and a My Health Record will be created for you by the end of the year.
• You can opt-out before 15 November.
  www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family/opt-out-my-health-record
• If you do opt-out, you can get a My Health Record down the track if you change your mind.
  www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family/howtos/register-for-my-health-record

More to explore

• My Health Record – Australian Government
  www.myhealthrecord.gov.au | Phone: 1800 723 471
• My Health Record – Healthdirect
  www.healthdirect.gov.au/my-health-record
• My Health Record: Your questions answered on cybersecurity, police and privacy – ABC
  www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-07-15/my-health-record-questions-answers-security-privacy-police/9959622
• My Health Record: what you need to know – Choice
  www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/health-practitioners/online-health-advice/articles/my-health-record-and-what-you-need-to-know
• An important overview of the pros, cons and questions about My Health Record – Croakey
  https://croakey.org/an-important-overview-of-the-pros-cons-and-questions-about-my-health-record