My Health Record
People with chronic illness such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may need to see many health services providers. For example doctors, general practitioners, specialists, pharmacists, physiotherapist, nurses, optometrists, dieticians, podiatrists, psychologists, dentists...
In some cases, you may find it difficult to keep important health information altogether in one place. This can include keeping track of prescription, referrals, emergency details, medical history and diagnoses, test results, treatments, assessments, care plans and many other things.
To address this problem, you, your carers and health services providers require a tool to keep all of this information in one place. My Health Record was developed to address the problem.
My Health Record is to assist you, your carers and health service providers to have ready access to relevant accurate and timely information. My Health Record is also to help you by reducing the need to repeat the same information or medical history every time you see health service providers. Therefore, duplication is avoided and continuity is enhanced.
What is My Health Record?
- It is a sturdy booklet that holds information about your health in one place. It contains details about your medical condition and the treatment recommended by doctors and other health services providers.
- It allows you and your health service providers to keep track of important health records in a single place. That way everyone involved in your care can be aware of what care has been prescribed or given.
- It is also expected to assist in improving your quality of life by supporting the capacity to self-manage your health, update your medical records and improve your communication with health service providers.
My Health Record belongs to you and the use of it is voluntary. If you decide not to use it, the care will continue as usual. It is up to you to decide what information you would like to be entered or not. Privacy will be respected at all times.
Copies of My Health Record are available from your doctors, public hospitals or community health centres. For immediate delivery, My Health Record is available at no cost from the NSW Health Better Health Centre.
