From Monday the 16th July 2018, every Australian has the option to opt out of the government’s new health data initiative, My Health Record.
But what is that and what if I don’t want one?
Find out everything you need to know below.
What is My Health Record?
My Health Record will be an online summary of all your health information, with the intention of giving both you and your healthcare providers access to necessary medical information such as allergies, medicines you are taking and pathology test results.
The big issue for many Australians is both privacy and data security. The government’s official website provides no guarantees about how those who have access to it will use your data, it does however assure that the online information is “personally controlled” and held in a ” secure system.” You can read more about that here.
The My Health Record website explains information on how to register for a My Health Record, set privacy and security controls, control and access your records and opt out.
For those who don’t opt out, a record will be automatically created for them.
How do I opt out of My Health Record?
You have just three months to opt out of a My Health Record, from July 16th to October 15th.
There are options to opt-out both online or over the phone.
Opt out for yourself
It’s a simple process, just click the ‘opt out now’ button on the government’s page here, and be prepared to verify your identity with the following documents:
- your Medicare Card, or Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) card, and
one of the following forms of Australian identification:
your driver licence; or
your passport; or
your ImmiCard
Opt out on behalf of children or dependents
You’ll be able to use the same process as above to opt out for your kids or dependents if they are listed on your medicare card and are under the age of 18.
Once you have completed the opt-out process, you won’t be able to cancel it.
If you miss the 15th October deadline to opt out, you’ll be able to cancel the account that is automatically created for you.
Still have questions? Contact the My Health Helpline on: 1800 723 471
