29 July Rural Australia - Don't Opt Out July 29, 2018 By Rural Health 0 Australia’s peak body for rural and remote health is urging all country people to embrace My Health Record - an online summary of their health information. National Rural Health Alliance CEO Mark Diamond says while country people can opt out of My Health Record, he implores them not to. “Simply put, My Health Record can save lives." Country people are 25% more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. They are 40% more likely to die from diabetes, and they are five times as likely to die from a road accident in remote areas. “If you live outside a major city, you have less access to health services, and are more likely to delay getting medical treatment. That means you’re more likely to end up being hospitalised,” Mr Diamond said. “A My Health Record means that all your important health information is at the fingertips of your doctor, nurse or surgeon,” he said. Mr Diamond acknowledges recent reports of privacy risks associated with online health information. “There is always a risk with online information. But the Alliance is satisfied that the Australian Digital Health Agency is using the most robust security measures to safeguard people’s health records, and the risk associated with My Health Record is small.” Read more Related Articles The Australian Digital Health Agency has today opened an online consultation for all Australians The Australian Digital Health Agency has today opened an online consultation for all Australians, including frontline clinicians, consumers, healthcare organisations and the technology sector to have their say on a more modern, digitally connected health system. Provider Connect Australia - helping healthcare providers stay connected How GPs can help combat Australia’s second biggest cancer killer Australia’s first major national mass media campaign promoting bowel cancer screening launches. Winners of the Australian Digital Health Agency's Innovation Challenge announced Services Australia My Health Record kits being distributed to Australian healthcare providers The Australian Digital Health Agency is pleased to announce nearly 20,000 My Health Record education kits are being distributed to healthcare providers and Australia Post offices across Australia. The kits will equip providers and Agency partners with information and resources to help them advise all Australians about My Health Record Comments are closed.