Australia is taking significant strides in modernising its healthcare system with My Health Record. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure better and faster access to health information for all Australians.
In February this year, legislation was passed to provide a framework for sharing information with My Health Record by default. This legislation provides the government with the authority to mandate healthcare providers to share health information with My Health Record. While the detailed policy settings are yet to be finalised, the framework in is in place and the first type of health information to be shared by default will be pathology and diagnostic imaging reports.
Encouragingly, many providers have already begun uploading information to My Health Record. An up-to-date register of all pathology and diagnostic imaging providers that upload to My Health Record is available online.
Grace, a community care nurse in South Australia, said chasing diagnostic results was time-consuming and dependent on whether a provider was uploading to My Health Record or not.
“The sharing of results by default will enable more consistent access to results and support safe handover when patients move between care teams or settings. It will allow for closer monitoring of complex patients who frequently access care from multiple providers.”
Creating More Comprehensive Records
The aim of this legislation is to ensure more comprehensive information is available in My Health Record by mandating the sharing of diagnostic information. This move is also driven by the government’s intent to empower consumers. Over the past decade, community expectations have evolved, with people now expecting better, faster, and easier access to their health information. Since its inception in 2021, uploading information to My Health Record has been optional, resulting in incomplete records for many users.
With the new requirement to share by default, consumers and clinicians will have access to more complete health records. This change is expected to reduce duplicate testing, as results will be more readily available. While the focus is currently on pathology and radiology, the government plans to extend the mandate to other healthcare fields in the future.
Tanya, an ED nurse in metropolitan Melbourne, said sharing by default created better oversight and clearer assessment, especially when a patient presented to the ED.
“Nurses and midwives can see more complete patient records, reducing uncertainty during clinical assessments. Accurate and timely diagnostic data helps us to understand what is happening for a patient at the point of care.
“It also helps avoid unnecessary repeat testing and enhances continuity of care when patients are admitted or transferred between facilities.”
Faster Access to Information
In addition to the legislation, changes to the consumer access timeframes are also underway. Historically, there has been a seven-day delay for consumers to view their pathology or diagnostic reports after they are uploaded to My Health Record. Clinicians, however, can access these reports immediately. This policy is being reconsidered to meet current community expectations for quicker access to health information.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, exceptions were made to this policy, allowing consumers to see their COVID test results immediately. This exception has since been extended to other respiratory virus tests, as well as diabetes monitoring (HbA1c) and anti-coagulant monitoring (INR) for people at risk of blood clots. A clinical reference group, including representatives from peak bodies, clinical experts, and consumers, has reviewed the policy to find a balance between faster access and essential safeguards.
Changes commenced in October 2025, with people now able to access most of their pathology reports as soon as they are uploaded to My Health Record. A 5-day delay is in place for some reports, including anatomical and cytopathology tests, as well as genetic test results.
From February 2026, people will be able to view diagnostic imaging reports for x-rays of their limbs as soon as they are uploaded. Reports for other scans and x-rays will be accessible 5 days after upload. Clinicians will continue to have access to all reports as soon as they are uploaded to My Health Record.
Ben, a cardiac nurse educator in Tasmania, said faster access to information may help improve health literacy levels and self-efficacy, particularly for people with chronic health conditions.
“More timely discussions can occur at the bedside or in clinics, supporting shared interprofessional and client decision-making. Health professionals may need to be prepared for patients asking questions about results they can see immediately. Users can access Pathology Tests Explained via My Health Record which is a great resource.”
Exceptions and Implementation
There will be exceptions to the mandatory sharing requirement, including cases where a patient does not have a My Health Record or they request that their information not be uploaded, or where a healthcare provider has a reasonable belief that uploading a report would impact the person’s health, safety, or wellbeing. Technical system issues (such as an unexpected or prolonged system outage) that prevent uploading may also be considered an applicable exception.
Providers needing more time for system upgrades can apply for an extension of time to comply, with extensions set to open in early 2026. The goal is to support providers in complying with the new requirements without being punitive.
ANMF Education Strategic Lead Alice Kett said nurses and midwives should be aware that not all patients’ results will appear in My Health Record due to opt-outs or exceptions. “Clinical workflows may still need flexibility when some providers are transitioning to compliance.”
There will also be an educative role in explaining to patients why certain results are not visible in their records, she said. “Nurses and midwives can take the opportunity to advocate use for patients who may have previously opted out and don’t currently have a My Health Record.
“Australian Digital Health Agency e-Learning modules can be good resources for nurses to equip themselves on how to discuss using My Health Record and how to reassure clients on confidentiality and options for managing access to their record if they have concerns about sensitive information.”
Mobile access to My Health Record
With increased health information available, consumers are encouraged to download the revised my health app —soon to be known as the 1800MEDICARE app–on their mobile devices. The app aims to improve usability and provide easy access to health information, empowering consumers, especially those managing chronic conditions.
The Better Access and Faster Access initiatives were the subject of a public consultation held in September-October 2023, with the paper and response available online.
For more information, visit here
Download the guide for healthcare providers that request pathology and diagnostic imaging (requesting providers).
