Better decisions + Better access to information + Better co-ordination + Better patient care = Better health

1. A more streamlined and effective healthcare system for patients and GPs Introducing eHealth records Better decisions + Better access to information + Better co-ordination + Better patient care = Better health

2. eHealth records: What you need to know • The Australian Government is introducing a personally controlled electronic health (eHealth) record system • People seeking health care in Australia can now choose to register for an eHealth record GPs who choose to participate will, over time, have access to important health information, helping you to provide more efficient care for patients.

3. Why do we need an eHealth record system? • Pressure on Australia’s healthcare system and healthcare professionals is increasing due to a number of factors including: • A growing and ageing population • More patients with complex and chronic care needs • Increasing patient expectations and demands

4. Why do we need a better connected system? Each year the average Australian has around 22 interactionswith the health system, including: • FOUR visits to a GP Currently none of this is connected • 12 pharmacy prescriptions • THREE visits to a medical specialist • TWO visits to an allied health professional(e.g. physiotherapist) • ONE visit to the dentist

5. Why should GPs take part in the eHealth record system? • Less reliance on patient recall • Linked information • More time seeing patients • Increased sharing of information

6. Why should GPs take part in the eHealth record system? • Access important health information more effectively • Enhanced patient safety • Clinical safety is at the forefront “It doesn’t matter where you get sick in Australia,if a richer set of information around a patient’s careis accessible in one record, this will help healthcare professionals make more informed decisions.” DR. DAVID LIM, NSWGP, Sydney

7. What will eHealth records include? • Two sets of information – clinical, and personal • As the system grows, an eHealth record may contain the following: • A shared health summary • Event summaries • Hospital discharge summaries • Specialist letters

8. Does it replace existing records? • eHealth records will not replace existing medical records • Healthcare professionals will continue to take and review clinical notes – the eHealth record system provides a summary of key health information

9. What will an eHealth record look like?

10. What are the next steps for eHealth? • People seeking healthcare in Australia can now register for an eHealth record • The eHealth system will grow, as will the benefits, as more Australians and healthcare professionals register

11. How can patients register for an eHealth record? • Online: www.ehealth.gov.au • Over the phone: 1800 723 471 • In person: at a Department of Human Services service centre offering Medicare services • In writing: by completing a registration form from a service centre offering Medicare services, or downloading it from www.ehealth.gov.au

12. What can I do to prepare to access the eHealth record system? • To participate in the eHealth record system as a healthcare professional you will need a Healthcare Provider Identifier – Individual (HPI-I) or be authorised by your organisation • Your organisation will need a Healthcare Provider Identifier – Organisation (HPI-O) and to be registered for eHealth

13. How do I access the eHealth record system? • To access the eHealth record system via clinical software, and be able to add to a patient’s eHealth record, you will need conformant Clinical Information System (CIS) desktop software • Access via a Clinical Information System will only be possible as updated software becomes available • If you don’t have CIS desktop software, you’ll be able to view records only via the Provider Portal, which is currently being developed

14. Who will have access to a patient’s eHealth record? • Healthcare professionals working for a registered healthcare organisation can enter information into the clinical record, ensuring it is clinically relevant and accurate • Patients can enter their own information as an aide-memoire for their own use and a summary of information including demographics and basic health information which you can see

15. What about in an emergency? • Healthcare professionals may access a patient’s eHealth record in an emergency, where patient consent is not possible but the person’s life or safety may be at risk • This is consistent with existing privacy laws

16. The eHealth record system will grow over time • As more patients and healthcare professionals including GPs register, and as the eHealth system expands to support the creation of shared health summaries, event summaries and other information, the eHealth record system will enable easier, more accurate sharing of information across Australia’s healthcare system

17. 12 eHealth sites The sharing of eHealth records has been tested in varied locations including 12 eHealth sites. Their frontline experiences are helping to shape the national system. Cradle Coast, North-West Area Health Service Project MedView 17

18. In summary eHealth records will allow you to access a summary of your patients’ important information, assisting you to… Allow for more coordinated care Provide better health outcomes for patients Save time Save lives Reduce possibility of adverse events

19. How you can get involved • Visit www.ehealth.gov.au • Encourage your patients to register • Ensure you and your organisation have your HPI-I and HPI-O • Request supporting materials, e.g. brochures For more information visit www.ehealth.gov.au or call the Helpline:1800 723 471