Navigating the healthcare system can often feel like a labyrinth of paperwork and appointments, especially for those who have reached the golden years and may have more frequent interactions with various health services.

But what if managing your medical information could be as simple as tapping your smartphone?

Well, members of the Seniors Discount Club, that convenience is now at our fingertips with the latest upgrade to the My Health app.

The My Health app, a cornerstone of digital healthcare in Australia, has undergone a significant transformation celebrated as a 'breakthrough' in the medical community.

With this upgrade, Australians can now store and manage their electronic prescriptions directly on their phones, thanks to the innovative work of the Australian Digital Health Agency.

The My Health app upgraded, allowing Australians to store and manage electronic prescriptions on their phones. Credit: 9News Australia / YouTube

Imagine the ease of having all your medical information in one place, accessible with just a few swipes.

No more rummaging through drawers for paper prescriptions or fretting over lost documents.

The app now allows e-prescriptions, sent via SMS, to be added seamlessly, complete with a barcode for easy medication dispensing.

Dr Amandeep Hansra from the Australian Digital Health Agency expressed excitement about this development, saying:

'What's really exciting aside from having your My Health Record access through the app? You've also now got access to your electronic prescriptions.'

This integration encourages patients to request that their GPs and other health providers issue scripts electronically, streamlining the process.

Pharmacists and patients alike are hailing this upgrade. Nick Logan, a pharmacist, praised the access to 'concise, accurate, real-time information.'

At the same time, Caitlin Radford, a patient managing rheumatoid arthritis, finds it 'so much easier to keep track of it's all in one place.'

Since its launch in 2016, My Health Record has aimed to simplify how Australians interact with their health data.

Initially, it was an opt-in system, but by 2018, it had been created for all Australians, with the option to opt-out if desired.

Fast forward to 2023, and the My Health app has been downloaded over 461,000 times, becoming an essential tool for many.

Despite earlier criticism from the Productivity Commission regarding incomplete records and poor usability, the app's new features are a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve digital health services.

Legislation is currently before parliament to make it compulsory for providers to upload blood results and scans to My Health Record, addressing the all-too-common issue of lost test results and unnecessary repeat procedures.

Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the system's inefficiency, where 'time and time again people have to get another test done because the results have been lost.'

Integrating these records into the My Health app will save time and streamline communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Michael Wright from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) also supports the initiative, noting that:

'We do have this information scattered in lots of different silos, so any attempts to bring that together will be better for patients, better for clinicians.'

In other news, the GoodSAM Responder app saves lives by alerting registered community members to nearby cardiac arrest incidents.

Steven Simpson survived a heart attack after the app notified an off-duty doctor, who quickly administered CPR and used a defibrillator. You can read more about it here.

Key Takeaways

• The My Health app has undergone a significant upgrade, now allowing Australians to store and manage their electronic prescriptions on their phones.
• Electronic prescriptions sent via SMS can be added to the app and will come with a barcode for dispensing medication.
• The update is considered a 'breakthrough' by pharmacists and patients for providing concise, accurate, and real-time health information in one place.
• Efforts are underway to make it compulsory for health providers to upload blood results and scans to My Health Record, aiming to improve the efficiency of the health system.

Have you used the app? Has it made managing your health easier? Share your stories and experiences in the comments below.

 

[Rita]

I've been doing this for 6 months!

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I won't use it as I don't have data on my phone and rely on wifi but I get paper prescriptions so that's OK with me.

 

[Rita]

I won't use it as I don't have data on my phone and rely on wifi but I get paper prescriptions so that's OK with me.

What happens when they
stop the paper ones ?

 

[Spondonian]

IT's about time it was made compulsory for providers to upload your test results etc . I have tried to get mine uploaded for years but they all say " we are not paid to do that , ask your doctor " who then repeats the same excuse !

 

[BruceC]

I have been receiving electronic prescriptions for the past twelve months and every time I have a prescription or scan or any other medical issue it has been recorded on my health. Nothing new!

 

[summadale]

I wasn’t having any issues with escripts and getting data results until my Dr moved to another clinic. Seems they don’t use the Govts MediRecords. So all of a sudden I’m having issues with scanning my scripts. We’ve worked out how we can access scripts but it’s a nuisance.

 

[Colette 3799]

I use the Chemist Warehouse app for our scripts which is great. I order the scripts when needed and I get a text message to tell me they are ready - sometimes within minutes. It shows me when I need a new script so I don’t run out of medication. Plus no waiting in line at the chemist, just straight in and pick up.

 

[Squizzy1]

Having all your health records available electronically allows whoever access too, for whatever purpose, even my yearly driver's licence application lists my medical record as the reason for annual medical tests and that is just the start now doctors will be obliged to record test results.

 

[Squizzy1]

IT's about time it was made compulsory for providers to upload your test results etc . I have tried to get mine uploaded for years but they all say " we are not paid to do that , ask your doctor " who then repeats the same excuse !

Why, don't you get copies?

 

[gamiry]

what earthly good is this crap to people who have NO MOBILE PHONE OR INTERNET?

 

[Barbara V]

I can't get a script unless I visit my GP,gone are the days when you just asked for one paid $5 and collected it from reception

 

[deni67]

what earthly good is this crap to people who have NO MOBILE PHONE OR INTERNET?

You must have internet otherwise how did you get here?

 

[Jennie]

You must have internet otherwise how did you get here?

They probably mean the same as me, no internet on their phone. The cost of internet access to my phone would put my mobile bill up, at present it is $110 per year, less than $I0 a month. I am not going to drag my laptop to the Chemist to get a receipt.

 

[Veggiepatch]

You must have internet otherwise how did you get here?

@gamiry may have been referring to those without such technology, not necessarily herself. There are people who do not embrace technology by choice or financial constraints.

 

[pamelamanu]

I actually tried to get the My Health App just a short time ago. Logged in and then ended up with an error and to call the My Health Agency. I have deleted the app and perhaps will try in the new year when you don't have to wait in a queue for your call to be answered.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Why, don't you get copies?

The idea is to abolish paper copies and have all the information on the app in one place.

 

[ToniaKisliakov]

No not even interested in this. More likely to get more scams