Improving access to health information in My Health Record is supporting more connected and informed care across Australia's digital health system.

Historically, key health information was not required to be uploaded to My Health Record, leaving gaps in a patient’s record.

The Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record – Sharing by Default) Act 2025 resulted in amendments to the My Health Records Act 2012 and the Health Insurance Act 1973 to establish a framework for key health information to be shared to My Health Record by default. The requirements apply to healthcare services and record types specified in the Health Insurance (Share by Default) Rules 2025 and the My Health Record (Share by Default) Rules 2025, collectively referred to as the Share by Default rules.

Pathology and diagnostic imaging

From 1 July 2026, pathology and imaging reports authored by (or on behalf of) a pathologist or radiologist must be uploaded to My Health Record by default, unless an exception applies or an extension of time has been granted. The requirement does not include images. 

These changes will help ensure patients and their healthcare providers can access key information through My Health Record to support care.

Reports must be uploaded within 24 hours of being provided to the requesting provider, another treating provider, or the patient.

Organisations that prepare pathology or diagnostic imaging reports should:

• check whether services are in scope
• understand when an exception to upload may apply
• upload reports or apply for an extension.

What this means for healthcare providers

• More pathology and diagnostic imaging reports are now available in My Health Record.
• Healthcare providers can continue to access reports through their existing clinical systems and workflows.
• My Health Record provides access to reports uploaded by other pathology and diagnostic imaging providers involved in a patient’s care, supporting continuity of care across healthcare settings.
• Patients may choose to access some pathology and diagnostic imaging reports through My Health Record, which supports a more interactive follow-up consultation. 
• At the time when pathology and diagnostic imaging services are requested, providers may wish to have a discussion with their patients regarding report availability and confirm follow-up arrangements. 
• Guidance resources are available for patients to support conversations about understanding and interpreting results.

Patient access

Patients can choose to access their reports through My Health Record or the 1800MEDICARE app. As processing times vary for different pathology tests and diagnostic imaging studies, this can affect when the report is available in My Health Record.

Generally, the report will be uploaded to My Health Record within 24 hours of being shared with the requesting provider, unless an exception applies. 

Pathology: Most pathology results (see list of test categories below) are available for patients to view in My Health Record or the 1800MEDICARE app, as soon as they are uploaded. For certain categories (including most anatomical pathology, cytopathology and genetic tests), results are available to patients after a 5-day delay  regardless of test outcome*.

Tests with no access delay (PDF, 323.78 KB)

Diagnostic imaging: Most X-ray reports for limbs (arms and legs) are available for patients to view as soon as they are uploaded. Other X-ray and diagnostic imaging reports (for scans like CT, MRI and PET scans, mammograms and ultrasounds) are available for patients to view after a 5 day delay.*

*If there are multiple results in the same report, where different access timeframes apply, the 5-day delay period will apply to the entire report. Healthcare providers will continue to have access to all results as soon as they are uploaded.

Action required

• Register your organisation for My Health Record if not already connected – see implementing My Health Record in your healthcare organisation for details.
• Ensure your clinical software can upload information to My Health Record. For more details, download the quick reference guide - pathology and diagnostic imaging conformant software.
• Access education and training resources to prepare your team for the new requirements.
• Download the guide for healthcare providers that request pathology and diagnostic imaging (requesting providers) or the guide for pathology and diagnostic imaging service providers.
• Download the Share by Default scope interactive guide to check if you are required to upload pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to My Health Record.
• Refer to the fact sheet for pathology laboratories.

Exceptions

There are some circumstances under the legislation where an exception to the upload requirement may apply, including where:

• a patient does not have a My Health Record
• a patient or their representative requests that certain reports are not uploaded
• a healthcare provider reasonably believes that a report should not be shared because of a serious concern for the health, safety or wellbeing of the individual
• circumstances outside a healthcare provider’s control prevent upload (such as an unforeseen technical or system issue).

The organisation that is subject to the upload requirement must retain evidence of the exception for 2 years from the date the health service was provided. 

Additional reasons that a report may not be uploaded include where an extension of time to comply has been applied for, preserved privacy laws apply, or the type of report is not required to be uploaded. Refer to the frequently asked questions below, for more information.

Extensions

Applying for an extension of time to comply

From 1 July 2026, pathology and diagnostic imaging reports authored by, or on behalf of, a pathologist or radiologist must be uploaded to My Health Record, unless an exception applies. 

If an organisation has a genuine reason that it is not able to meet this requirement, it can apply for an extension of time to comply. 

Extension requests will be individually considered. The duration of any extension will be based on the information and evidence provided by the applicant. When an extension ceases, the legislative obligations will apply immediately.

Steps to apply for an extension

1. Check whether your organisation is required to share by default – download the Share by Default scope interactive guide to find out.
2. Download and read the extensions process frequently asked questions (PDF, 268.4 KB)  
3. Complete the preparation checklist (PDF, 186.29 KB) to ensure you have all of the necessary information and supporting documentation.  
4. After completing the checklist, commence the extensions application process, via the extension portal.

Note: wherever possible, organisations are strongly encouraged to register for My Health Record before completing the extension application – follow the steps to Implement My Health Record.  

Requirement to display a notice about not uploading

Where an organisation is required to upload information to My Health Record by default and they are not doing so – for example, because they have been granted an extension of time to comply – they must display a notice informing patients. The notice must be visible at the provider’s premises and on their website. In addition, the notice must be displayed on any online platforms that patients use to book appointments at the organisation. If the notice is not displayed, penalties may apply.

Frequently asked questions