New My Health Record Changes to Automatically Share Test Results from 1 July
25 Jun 2026
The change is part of Australia's ongoing Share by Default initiative, which aims to improve the sharing of health information between patients and healthcare providers.
Supporters say easier access to test results can help patients become more involved in their healthcare and improve communication across the health system.
However, some GPs have raised concerns about how the changes may affect general practice.
RACGP Expert Committee – Practice Technology and Management Chair Dr Rob Hosking said some patients may choose to cancel follow-up appointments after reading their results themselves, while others may delay attending recommended reviews.
He also said some patients may experience unnecessary anxiety when reading results without medical guidance, while others may become frustrated if their GP has not yet reviewed the results.
Dr Hosking believes some follow-up appointments may also become longer as patients seek more detailed explanations about their test results.
He encouraged GP practices to review their processes for managing test results, clearly explain follow-up arrangements to patients and have systems in place to ensure important results are reviewed promptly.
Despite the challenges, Dr Hosking said the changes are a positive step towards better information sharing across Australia's healthcare system and could make it easier for healthcare providers to access test results requested by other clinicians.
New My Health Record Changes to Automatically Share Test Results from 1 July
Source: newsGP