Faster access to pathology reports boosts coordinated care

Australians and their healthcare teams now have faster access to most pathology reports through My Health Record and the my health app.

This change addresses ongoing challenges in healthcare, where delays in accessing pathology results can hinder clinical decision-making, disrupt communication between care providers, and affect health outcomes. This is especially true for those living with chronic or complex conditions who require coordinated care from multiple professionals.

Faster access

The Australian Digital Health Agency has implemented new measures allowing more timely viewing of pathology reports, regardless of whether the healthcare professional accessing the result originally requested the test. This is expected to provide crucial information for the management of ongoing health issues and enhance coordination among GPs, specialists, allied health, and nursing staff.

Agency Chief Executive Officer Amanda Cattermole PSM outlined the objectives behind these access changes, stating they are designed to streamline collaboration, facilitate earlier discussions and enhance quality of care.

"Putting timely health information in the hands of Australians and their care teams through My Health Record and my health app supports safer, more connected care. These access changes to most pathology reports, empower both consumers and healthcare professionals to act quickly, make informed decisions, and ultimately improve health outcomes," Ms Cattermole said.

This approach is expected to support faster and more connected care, improving responses for those managing long-term and complex health conditions.

The role of pathology in care

Dr Amandeep Hansra, the Agency's Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine), cited data from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia indicating that more than 70% of all medical decisions rely on pathology results. She highlighted the importance of these results in the diagnostic process and patient care more widely.

"Pathology results are often the key to unlocking a diagnosis, helping doctors make timely and accurate decisions. With Australians now able to access their results sooner, it opens the door for more meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers. Together, we can make informed choices and ensure care is tailored to each patient's needs," Dr Hansra said.

The increased immediacy of access is anticipated to support patients and healthcare professionals in forming more effective partnerships and delivering care tailored to individual needs.

Maintaining consumer choice

Despite the broader availability of information, consumers retain control over their uploaded health data. Australians can request that particular pathology reports not be uploaded to My Health Record, and their provider is required to comply. Individuals can also restrict access to their record, individual documents, or remove a document once uploaded, according to personal preference.

The changes were developed following advice from the Clinical Reference Group, comprising representatives from professional associations, peak bodies and consumer organisations. The group reviewed the safety considerations of immediate sharing of sensitive and non-sensitive tests over almost two years. The Agency's Consumer Advisory Committee also provided their perspectives during the process.

Consumer perspectives

Larissa Roberts, a member of the Consumer Advisory Committee, shared her own experience with prolonged diagnostic investigation and the potential benefits of earlier access to results.

"After more than 5 years of seeking an effective treatment, a recent test provided the answers we needed. Any option to get those results earlier would have enabled me to work more quickly with my broader healthcare team, coordinate the new treatment and improve my quality of life sooner," Ms Roberts said.

Dr Elizabeth Deveny, Chief Executive Officer of the Consumers Health Forum, emphasised the broader implications for patient engagement and transparency.

"Putting results in people's hands faster is a win for equity and transparency; it gives healthcare consumers the chance to be more active partners in their care, ask questions sooner and make more informed decisions," Dr Deveny said.

Olivia Nassaris, Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson's Australia, focused on the benefits for those managing long-term conditions. She explained, "for people living with Parkinson's, timely access to information is not just a convenience, it's a critical component of coordinated, person-centred care. Gone are the days of carrying around a folder or envelope with printed test results. My Health Record means that someone can have up to date and accurate information at their fingertips at all times."

Stakeholder support

The Agency has engaged with over 1,400 stakeholder groups across the healthcare sector in advance of the change, including professional colleges, hospitals, primary health networks, Aboriginal community health organisations and pathology laboratories, to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure widespread awareness and readiness.

A list outlining which pathology tests are now available immediately following upload to My Health Record has also been provided to guide care teams and patients.