My Health Record is expanding
My Health Record is expanding for all Australians in 2018
This year you will get a My Health Record unless you opt-out by 15 October 2018.
What is My Health Record?
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.
This can include details of your medical conditions and treatments, medicine details, allergies, and test or scan results, all in one place.
Healthcare providers like doctors, specialists and hospital staff may also be able to see your My Health Record when they need to, including in an accident or emergency.
It provides potentially life saving access to a patient's key health information such as medications, allergies, conditions and test results.
Why you might already have a My Health Record
5.9 million Australians currently have a My Health Record.
Most people have registered themselves or their children for a My Health Record in one of the following ways:
- via a myGov account
- Medicare enrolment form (for a newborn)
- at a Medicare Service Centre
- by calling the Help line on 1800 723 471
- Assisted registration with a healthcare provider
You or your children may have been assisted to register by your healthcare provider at a general practice or hospital. This may have occurred when completing a form for your doctor or healthcare provider to add clinical information to your My Health Record.
How to opt-out
In 2018, every Australian will get a My Health Record. However, if you decide you don’t want a record, you can opt-out during a three-month period from 16 July to 15 October 2018 here.
How to opt-out on behalf of children or dependants
If you have parental responsibility for children under the age of 18, and they are listed on your Medicare card, you can opt out of My Health Record on their behalf. Follow the steps in the online process.
Children aged 14 and over may also choose to opt out individually online. They will need their Medicare number to do so.
For other dependants you have legal responsibility for, contact My Health Record for assistance.