Network facilitates start of online health records

THE DARLING Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network is helping to expand the My Health Record program into Toowoomba and the surrounds this month.

The digital record is a collection of data from across the health care system, allowing doctors and medical staff to access a patient’s health summary record, Medicare data, public and private pathology and radiology reports and hospital discharge summaries.

Every person with a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affair card will receive a My Health Record in 2018 unless they decline by contacting the Australian Government before November 15.

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt called on Australians, especially senior Australians, to embrace the roll-out of the record.

“People often tell me they are tired of being asked the same questions when they go to see a health professional,”

Mr Wyatt said.

“This can be particularly frustrating for older Australians, who may be taking a number of medications and seeing a number of doctors.”

Mr Wyatt said the system would streamline the healthcare process.

“You get to decide who sees your health information, and all of your healthcare team can share the same information together,” he said.

“It gives people the freedom to travel anywhere in Australia, knowing they have instant access to safe and secure digital health records.”