Wednesday July 4, 2018

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is to partner with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) to provide information for members and stakeholders about the My Health Record Expansion Program.

The partnership aims to provide information about My Health Record and its benefits for all Australians, and to advise those who choose not to have one how to opt out of the process.

By the end of 2018, the Agency will have a digitised My Health Record for all Australians except those who opt out. Doctors, pharmacists and authorised healthcare providers will be able to access a person’s My Health Record to assist in their treatment of patients and issues such as prescription of medicines and advance care planning.

ACOSS will communicate the benefits of My Health Record to its 138 member organisations. These benefits include reduced hospital admissions, reduced duplication of tests, better-coordinated care, and better informed treatment decisions.

ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie, said that ACOSS was pleased to partner with the Australian Digital Health Agency on this important issue.

“For the vast majority of people, having a My Health Record will bring significant benefits, particularly delivering better coordinated care and allowing people more control over their health information.” Dr Goldie said.

“Some people will want to choose not to have a My Health Record. It will be important for them to know that they can opt out during the three month opt out period.”

Agency CEO Tim Kelsey said that the benefits of digital health for patients are significant and compelling.

“Having a My Health Record means that your important health information such as allergies, current conditions and treatments, medicine details, and pathology and diagnostic imaging reports can be digitally stored in one place.

“My Health Record also places Australians in control of their healthcare and gives authorised healthcare providers secure digital access to key health information at the point of care, wherever that may be,” Mr Kelsey said.

People who choose not to have a My Health Record will be able to register not to have one during a three-month opt-out period occurring between 16 July and 15 October.

For further information on My Health Record go to www.myhealthrecord.gov.au

ADHA Media contact

Mobile: 0428 772 421
Email: [email protected]

ACOSS Media contact

Kate Finlayson, Media Advisor
Mobile:  0419 626 155
Email: [email protected]