Aug 11 / The Healius Pathology Network

My Health Record Changes: What GPs Need to Know

From 1 July Australian Government reforms have come into effect with regards to how My Health Record have changed how pathology and diagnostic imaging reports are shared and when patients can access them. These changes form part of the Government's Better and Faster Access to Health Information initiative and are being implemented through new My Health Record sharing requirements. 

For GPs, the most noticeable change will be that patients can now view most pathology results as soon as they are uploaded to My Health Record.

What has changed?

Patient access to results is now faster
Previously, most pathology reports uploaded to My Health Record were not visible to patients for seven days. Many routine pathology reports are now available to patients immediately after upload. 

Certain report categories, including anatomical pathology, cytopathology and genetic testing reports, remain subject to a delay before patients can access them. That delay has reduced from seven days to five days. 

Mandatory uploading requirements now apply
The Australian Government has also introduced "share by default" requirements for pathology and diagnostic imaging providers. Under these arrangements, providers are required to upload reports to My Health Record unless an exception applies, such as where a patient requests that their results not be shared.  

What does this mean for general practice?
The clinical workflow for receiving, reviewing and acting on pathology results remains unchanged. Pathology reports will continue to be delivered directly to the requesting healthcare provider through existing reporting systems. However, patients may now access many results before their follow-up appointment and may contact practices seeking clarification before their results are discussed in consultation.

At a glance
  • Previous access: Most pathology reports became visible to patients after a 7-day delay. 
  • Current access: Most routine pathology reports are visible to patients immediately after upload.
  • Sensitive report types: Anatomical pathology, cytopathology and genetic testing reports are available after a 5-day delay.
  • Government reform: Uploading pathology reports to My Health Record is now a legislative requirement unless an exception applies.
  • Clinical workflows: Delivery of reports to the requesting clinician remains unchanged.