Better and Faster Access
You’ll soon notice some important updates to the way your health information is shared in Australia’s healthcare system. The goal is to make sure your key health information, like blood test and x-ray reports, are added to My Health Record, unless you choose otherwise.
Previously, not all test reports were uploaded to My Health Record which means that your health record could be incomplete, making it harder for you and your healthcare team to get the full picture of your health especially if you need to see multiple healthcare providers.
New laws were recently introduced which mean that more of your health information will be automatically uploaded and will also be available sooner in My Health Record. This change will help you and your healthcare providers have quicker access to the latest information, so you can get better, safer care.
Having your health information all in one secure place makes it easier:
- For you to see your latest results as soon as they’re available.
- For your healthcare providers to make well-informed decisions about your care.
- To give you more control over who can see your information, you can still choose to keep reports private if you wish.
Faster access
This means you can get your results sooner, helping you to take a more active role in your health and wellbeing.
Starting from mid-October 2025:
- Most pathology reports (like blood and urine tests) will be available for you to view in My Health Record or my health app as soon as they are uploaded.
- Some results, including anatomical pathology, cytopathology and genetic testing, will be viewable after a 5-day delay reduced from the previous 7-day delay. Download the complete list of pathology reports with no delay.
From February 2026:
- X-ray reports for limbs (arms and legs) will be available for you to view immediately after upload.
- Other x-rays and types of diagnostic imaging reports (like CT scans, mammograms, MRI and PET scans, and ultrasounds) will be viewable after 5 days, reduced from the previous 7-day delay.
Better Access
Healthcare providers delivering pathology and diagnostic imaging tests (like blood tests and x-rays) will be required to upload written reports to My Health Record by default. This will start in mid-2026, giving healthcare providers time to get ready.
- Your test results will be uploaded to My Health Record, unless you ask for them not to be.
- Healthcare providers involved in your care can access the latest reports, supporting more connected and safer care for you.
- All your key health information is together in one secure place, making it easier to manage your health, especially if you see different healthcare providers or move between hospitals, pathology providers, medical imaging practices or clinics.
Getting ready
- My Health Record needs you to authenticate who you are before you can access the system, for privacy and security reasons.
- Details from Medicare are used to verify your identity. Linking to My Health Record is easier if you’ve already linked Medicare to myGov.
- If you need help, please call the My Health Record help line on 1800 723 471 (select option 1), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Frequently asked questions
How is my privacy protected?
My Health Record has strong privacy and security protections:
- You decide who can see your information.
- You can see who has accessed your record.
- There are penalties for unauthorised access or misuse.
- Audit trails and access history are available to you.
- Emergency access is tightly controlled.
What happens if my healthcare provider doesn’t upload?
Healthcare providers that don’t follow the new rules may be required to repay money received for that service under the Medicare Benefits Scheme and may face penalties. If a provider has an approved extension and is not yet uploading information, they must display a notice in their clinic and on their website.
Will all my test results be uploaded?
Only written reports from pathology and diagnostic imaging services will be uploaded by default, the images won’t be included. If you don’t want a report uploaded, just let your healthcare provider know.
When can I access my pathology reports?
The changes to pathology reports will start from mid-October. Most pathology reports will be available as soon as they are uploaded. However, for certain types of tests, there will still be a delay of 5 days. This delay is in place to give your healthcare provider time to review the results first.
When can I access my diagnostic imaging reports?
The changes to diagnostic imaging reports will start from February 2026. Most x-ray reports of your arms and legs will be available as soon as they are uploaded. However, for other types of imaging, there will still be a delay of 5 days. This delay is in place to give your healthcare provider time to review the results and plan for your care.
I don’t know what my result means – what should I do?
Your pathology and diagnostic imaging reports will also still be sent directly to your GP or healthcare provider. It is recommended that you discuss your pathology and diagnostic imaging results with your healthcare provider. They are best placed to provide advice and help you understand your results.
You can also visit the Pathology Tests Explained website to learn more about pathology tests.
What if I don’t have My Health Record?
If you don’t have a My Health Record, your reports won’t be uploaded. You can register for one at any time.
To register for My Health Record you must:
- Be 14 years or older.
- Have the capacity to make decisions for yourself.
- Have an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) – an IHI is a unique 16-digit number used to identify an individual for healthcare purposes. It helps ensure the right information is associated with the right individual at the point of care. If you are enrolled in Medicare, or are listed on a Medicare or DVA card, you will already have an IHI. If you are not enrolled in Medicare and are not listed on a Medicare or DVA card, you need to get an IHI before completing this form. To apply for an IHI, visit the Service Australia website or call the Healthcare Identifiers Service on 1300 361 457.
Can I choose not to have information uploaded?
Yes, you can ask your healthcare provider not to upload a particular report. Your authorised or nominated representative (someone you trust to manage your health information) can also make this request on your behalf.
If you don’t have My Health Record, reports won’t be uploaded for you.
What if I change my mind?
If you decide later that you don’t want a report in My Health Record, you can delete it, hide it from view, or restrict who can see it by using the privacy and access controls.
Why isn’t my pathology or diagnostic imaging report listed in My Health Record?
From mid-2026, pathology and diagnostic imaging reports must be shared to My Health Record by default, unless the provider has an extension, or an exception applies.
Prior to this some reports may not be uploaded to My Health Record. A list of participating providers is available here.
In some situations, information may not be uploaded, if an exception applies, such as:
- If you or your representative ask that it not be uploaded.
- If your healthcare provider has concerns about your health, safety or wellbeing.
- If technical issues (like a system outage) prevent uploading.
When exceptions like these apply, your provider must keep a record for at least 2 years.
There may be another reason that your report is not uploaded, for example, if a state or territory law prohibits uploading particular information.