What is changing
The Australian Government has passed legislation that means certain healthcare providers must upload key health information to My Health Record. This means consumers will have better and faster access to test results and other important details.
New Rules are being developed under the legislation that will specify:
- which healthcare providers must upload information, starting with pathology and imaging services
- what types of information must be uploaded
- when this information needs to be uploaded.
Under the Rules, pathology and diagnostic imaging reports will be the first types of health information that must be uploaded by default to My Health Record.
Once the new Rules come into effect, Medicare benefits will only be payable for certain pathology and diagnostic imaging services when they upload the required health information to My Health Record.
Consumers will continue to receive their Medicare benefits the usual way.
In some situations, information may not be uploaded if an exception applies, such as when:
- consumers do not have a My Health Record
- consumers or their representatives ask that it not be uploaded
- a healthcare provider has concerns about an individual’s health, safety or wellbeing
- technical issues (like a system outage) prevent uploading.
If any of these exceptions apply, the healthcare provider responsible for uploading the information must keep a record of the exception for at least 2 years.
What is not changing
- Continued privacy and control: Strong privacy protections remain in place.
- No change in costs for consumers: Medicare benefits and billing stays the same.
- Only key pathology and diagnostic imaging reports are shared: Clinical notes and images are not uploaded – only written reports for the tests specified in the Rules will be uploaded.
Why these changes matter
These changes are designed to:
- provide increased access to key health information for consumers, their representatives and healthcare providers
- empower consumers to participate in their own healthcare decisions
- support healthcare providers to coordinate care across different healthcare settings and providers, helping reduce duplicate tests, and support clinical decisions.
Faster access to results
We are making these changes to give you faster access to most pathology and diagnostic reports in My Health Record. Some delays may still apply. Advice and support from a Clinical Reference Group, along with consultation feedback, has supported these changes.
When the changes will start
Healthcare providers will be required to upload pathology and diagnostic imaging reports by default to My Health Record once the new Rules commence. We expect this to be in mid-2026.
A transition period will exist to help healthcare providers to be ready to comply with the new Rules. Support will also be available for those who need more time.
From 13 October 2025, most pathology reports (like blood and urine tests) are available for consumers to view in My Health Record, or the ‘my health’ app, as soon as they are uploaded. Some results, will only be available after a 5-day delay, reduced from the previous 7-day delay. These include:
- anatomical pathology
- cytopathology
- genetic testing.
From February 2026, consumers will be able to view X-ray reports for limbs (arms and legs) in My Health Record immediately after they are uploaded. Other diagnostic imaging reports will be available after a 5-day delay, reduced from the previous 7-day delay.
The Australian Digital Health Agency is responsible for managing the secure operation of My Health Record and implementing changes to support the Sharing by Default initiative. More information about the changes to My Health Record can be found on their website.
Consultation and support
When planning these changes, we consulted with:
- the general public
- healthcare providers
- peak organisations
- other pathology and diagnostic imaging stakeholders.
We are exploring ways to expand default sharing to My Health Record beyond pathology and diagnostic imaging. We’re looking at other types of key health information, such as:
- medication management
- care planning.
We have consistently identified these through consultation as priorities for improving continuity of care across health settings.
To expand the Sharing by Default Rules will require consultation, clinical guidance, and is subject to Government approval.
More information
Visit the Australian Digital Health Agency website for more information about these changes:
- Information for consumers
- Information for healthcare providers
- Education and training for healthcare providers
- Education and training for consumers
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