Health record opt-out begins

THE window for residents to opt out of the automatic creation of an online health summary, set to be rolled out nationally by the end of the year, has begun.

Until mid-October, people will have the opportunity to object to the establishment of their My Health Record — a system already being used by than 5.9 million Australians.

The online personal health history provides health care professionals with a summary of patients’ medical conditions, allergies, past treatments, prescribed medicines and pathology test results.

According to Western Victoria Primary Health Network (PHN), close to 84 per cent of Geelong region GP practices, 37 per cent of pharmacies and 71,000 residents were signed up to the national program as of May.

Western Victoria PHN chief executive Dr Leanne Beagley encouraged people to do their research and consider the benefits before making the decision to opt out.

“We urge everyone to consider registering for a My Health Record as it provides a centralised, and personally controlled, summary of an individual’s healthcare information that can be viewed securely online, from any- where at any time. This is especially important in the case of an emergency,” she said.

By the end of 2018, a personal electronic health profile will be created for every Australian who does not opt out, as part of a significant but controversial healthcare reform.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare will be the custodian of the information, but patients will be able to selfmanage some aspects of their account, such as setting access controls for who can see certain information.

They can also add an advanced care plan and custodian details, review the information to see everything healthcare providers can see and set up a notification system that alerts them when a health care provider first accesses the record. The system aims to empower Australians by giving them secure access to their own healthcare information and supporting them to manage health conditions.

It’s also hoped to ensure coordinated care, reduce the duplication of pathology and imaging investigations, and prevent medication errors through the availability of information about medicines and allergies.

Last week, nearly 20,000 My Health Record education kits were distributed.

For more information visit myhealthrecord.com.au