Better and Faster Access (Share by Default)

A legislative requirement for pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to be shared with My Health Record by default. These changes will ensure better and faster access to key health information for consumers and healthcare providers.

These requirements will begin to take effect from July 2026.

Most pathology reports and simple X-ray reports will be available for consumers to view in their My Health Record or the 1800MEDICARE app as soon as they are uploaded (reduced from the previous 5-day delay). More complex pathology and diagnostic imaging reports will be available to view after a 5-day delay (reduced from the previous 7-day delay).

Several of the changes are already in place, while the rollout of others will begin from March 2026.

Immediate access

Pathology:

• Blood tests (a full list can be found here)
• Urine tests

Diagnostic Imaging:

• X-ray reports for limbs (arms and legs)

Delayed access

Pathology:

• Anatomical pathology
• Cytopathology
• Genetic testing 

Diagnostic Imaging:

• X-ray reports for head, chest and abdomen
• CT scans
• Ultrasounds
• Mammograms
• MRIs
• PET scans

Consumers will still be able to control their information in My Health Record by:

• Setting access controls to choose who can view their results
• Remove or hide test results
• Ask providers to tick “Do not send to My Health Record” on request forms
• Advise pathology or radiology staff not to upload their results