What is the My Health Record?
The My Health Record (MHR) is a new way of recording your health information in a digital format. Information from your doctor, your specialists and your allied health workers will be combined with your test results and medication details. The last two years of your Medicare records will be uploaded to the new system.
This information will be available online in one place that you can access, and control who sees which part of the information.
How do I get one?
You don’t have to do anything. A My Health Record will be automatically created for you, unless you don’t want one.
You will be able to access your MHR on the internet through the MyGov portal.
This is the same place that you access Centrelink and Medicare services.
Your doctor can also help you get a MHR.
What if I don’t want one?
You can opt-out of having a MHR record by 15 November 2018 by going to the website. You will need a driver’s licence or passport, and your Medicare card:
If you don’t have these forms of identification, or have any problems, then call 1800 723 471.
Can I change my mind and get a MHR later?
Yes! You can opt-in and register for a MHR at any time.
Can I change my mind and opt-out of getting a MHR?
Yes! You can opt-out at any time, but after 15 October, your health information, that has already been recorded, will stay in the MHR system.
Who can see the information in the MHR?
Any healthcare professional can see the information in your My Health Record, unless you specifically choose to restrict access. If you don’t make choices about who can see your information, by default, all healthcare professionals will be able to upload and see your information.
You can choose which parts of your MHR people can see, and which parts are private.
Research and secondary use
Researchers may want to use information available in the MHRs. You can say that you don’t want this to happen by selecting that you ‘withdraw participation’ for secondary use of your data.
PWDA believes that the MHR provision for researchers to access your information without seeking informed consent about how your information will be used is not in accordance with our research protocols for people with disability. We don’t think that there is enough information for informed consent to be given for the use of your data. There are also questions about access to this information from other government agencies and law enforcement sectors.
Where can I find accessible information about MHR?
The MHR website is currently not accessible according to Vision Australia. We will update on social media and here when more accessible information is available.
Can I get someone else to set up the MHR?
Yes, you can, but make sure it is a person that you trust with your private medical information.
Where can I read more about this?
Some of these organisations provide information and resources to help you make an informed choice about staying in the MRH system or opting out:
- Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council, Being and Consumers of Mental Health WA
- Positive Life
- Intersex Human Rights Australia
- Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia
- AIDS Council of NSW (ACON)
- Hepatitis Australia
- National Rural Health Alliance
- National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
- Scarlet Alliance
- NSW Council for Intellectual Disability
Media stories on MHR:
- The Conversation – the case for opting in and for opting out
- ABC Online Frequently Asked Questions
- Overview of pros and cons of MHR
- Concerns from mental health consumer groups
- The Guardian – privacy, cybersecurity and the hacking risk