Attention Australian members - electronic health records

[bubbles]

Hi everyone

 

The Australian government is implementing electronic/online health records for all residents, unless we opt out. This has been poorly advertised and we haven't been advised in writing. Once the record is created, it will remain in existence until 30 years after death. You can kind of opt out after it has been created, but not really. That information will be deactivated (but can be reactivated later) and won't be deleted until 30 years after death.

 

A three month opt out period started on Monday. If you want to, you can opt out here: https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family/opt-out-my-health-record.

 

While there are benefits to this sort of record, I have serious reservations about them. I have decided that the negatives outweigh the positives for me.

 

Not trying to talk anyone into or out of anything. I'd just like to give Australian residents a heads up so that they can make an informed decision.

[Hopetobefree]

Thanks Bubbles for updating us. I'd heard a bit about it but wasn't aware you had to opt out if you didn't want your records kept. 

[bubbles]

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/abc-news-vic

 

Specific article starts at about 3:42 minutes.

 

I think security is only one problem. I think there are others.

[Hopefull]

It takes a while to get through.  My record was already created without my knowledge or consent. 

Now I am waiting to get my health record canceled and I have been waiting for over 1/2 an hour.

[bubbles]

Oh, that's annoying, @Hopefull.

 

I believe there was an area that was done - in the same manner - a while back as a sort of trial run. You didn't know about it at the time? No, obviously not, you said it was without consent or knowledge. One of the gentlemen in the news video also had a record created that he was trying to stop.

 

I was, thankfully, able to opt out in a matter of minutes online.

[ChessieCat]

I agree with:

 

8 hours ago, bubbles said:

I think security is only one problem. I think there are others.

 

Edited July 19, 2018 by ChessieCat

[ChessieCat]

Here's the:  Evaluation of the Final Report for Participation Trials for the My Health Record

 

However, my personal opinion is that data can be made to look they want the outcome to be. 

[bubbles]

Yes, I see what you mean! I don't know that a lot of people would say they prefer an opt out - I certainly don't! But yes, making it opt out is obviously going to increase participation.

 

Here is a different analysis: https://simplysociology.wordpress.com/2018/06/19/what-do-australian-women-think-of-my-health-record/

 

 

[Hopefull]

8 hours ago, bubbles said:

Oh, that's annoying, @Hopefull.

 

I believe there was an area that was done - in the same manner - a while back as a sort of trial run. You didn't know about it at the time? No, obviously not, you said it was without consent or knowledge. One of the gentlemen in the news video also had a record created that he was trying to stop.

 

I was, thankfully, able to opt out in a matter of minutes online.

I tried opting out on line, but I got a message to call. So I called,  only to be told that it was already created for me. Then I was put through the cancelation department,   and I waited 30 minutes, only to be told to call Medicare in order get my ID  verified,  since my new address has not been updated on the Medicare database, then I was told to wait 24 hours , call the cancellation line, and then finally my record will be canceled.  I thought,  far out, this is complicated.  I honestly don't know who created the health record without my knowledge.  It is strange. 

Nothing is simple in my life, Lol!

[bubbles]

@Hopefull

 

There was one (more?) areas where they did a sort of trial run, and a bunch of people had them made for them. Otherwise, it used to be an opt in thing which had a different name.