More Australians Access Test Results as My Health Record Sharing Expands
09 Jul 2026
The reforms, which took effect on 1 July, require pathology and diagnostic imaging reports prepared by, or on behalf of, a pathologist or radiologist to be uploaded to My Health Record by default, unless an exemption or extension applies.
Since the changes began, patients have viewed more than three million pathology and imaging reports each week, while healthcare providers are uploading more than five million reports weekly.
A recent report found that 99% of respondents believe the reforms can improve care coordination, reduce information gaps and support safer access to health information. However, 91% said software systems still need improvements, and only 23% reported their systems could clearly track upload success, failures and retry history.
ADHA Chief Executive Amanda Cattermole said the reforms are helping make important health information easier for patients and healthcare teams to access, supporting more connected and informed care.
The next stage of the Share by Default reforms is planned for next year and will include consultation on mandatory sharing of medicines-related information from online prescribers.
The RACGP has welcomed the reforms as a step towards better interoperability and improved information sharing between patients and healthcare providers. However, it has also raised concerns that some patients may misinterpret their results, experience unnecessary anxiety or delay follow-up care.
The ADHA estimates the reforms could reduce duplicate testing and save $146.3 million in Medicare Benefits Schedule costs over the next two years.
More Australians Access Test Results as My Health Record Sharing Expands
Source: newsGP, reporting on the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA)