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One week after the Share by Default reforms took effect, more health information is flowing into My Health Record and more Australians are using the system to stay informed about their care.
Since the announcement in 2023 that led to the Health Legislation Amendment (Modernising My Health Record – Sharing by Default) Act 2025, consumer views of pathology and diagnostic imaging reports have increased by 433 per cent to more than 3 million views weekly as at 7 June 2026. That increase has been driven by healthcare providers uploading 105 per cent more of these reports to My Health Record, now exceeding 5 million uploads weekly.
The reforms that came into effect on 1 July 2026 require pathology and diagnostic imaging reports authored by, or on behalf of, a pathologist or radiologist to be uploaded to My Health Record by default, unless an exception applies or an extension has been granted.
What the reforms mean for consumers
Australian Digital Health Agency Chief Executive Officer Amanda Cattermole PSM described the reforms as an important step towards making key health information easier to access and use across the health system.
“Share by Default is about making sure that more Australians have timely access to important health information, helping them have better-informed conversations with their healthcare providers and reducing the need to repeat their health story, or the need to keep repeating the same test, across different care settings,” Ms Cattermole commented.
Australians can access their pathology and diagnostic imaging reports through My Health Record and via the 1800MEDICARE app, making it easier to view key health information when and where they need it.
Research highlights sector support
Research released on 29 June by Black Book Market Research points to broad sector support for the Share by Default reforms and connected care more broadly.
The firm’s 2026 Australian Share-by-Default Readiness, My Health Record Interoperability and Connected Care Report, based on feedback from 228 Australian healthcare provider respondents, found 99 per cent believe Share by Default can improve care coordination, reduce information gaps or support safer consumer access.
The report also found that 91 per cent of respondents believe the policy direction is the right one for Australia, while 94 per cent agree Share by Default will improve care coordination and 92 per cent agree it will reduce duplicate requests or missing information over time.
On the question of readiness, 92 per cent of healthcare organisations reported they have engaged with software providers regarding readiness activities and 85 per cent have sought formal readiness information.
Ms Cattermole noted that the independent findings show healthcare providers recognise the value of timely access to health information and are prepared to deliver the benefits for consumers and clinicians.
“The strength of support identified through the Black Book research report is encouraging and shows a shared commitment across the sector to improving how health information is safely and securely shared,” she added.
“This is about giving consumers and their healthcare teams better access to the information they need to support more connected, coordinated and informed care.”
Readiness and implementation
The findings follow a program of stakeholder engagement, education and implementation support delivered by the Australian Digital Health Agency since the reforms were announced in 2023.
The Agency has worked with healthcare providers, peak bodies, jurisdictions, software vendors and industry partners to support organisations’ readiness for implementation and maximise the benefits of connected care.
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Concerns linger
Despite the positive news, there are still questions surrounding privacy and the involvement of US-based, everywhere company Palantir, who helps manage the health data in addition to working with international spy agencies. Recent remarks by its CEO have also raised questions regarding the suitability of its involvement.
Projected savings and next steps
The projected increase in sharing pathology and diagnostic imaging reports is expected to reduce duplicate testing and associated Medicare Benefits Schedule claims, resulting in indicative savings of $146 million over two years.
The next phase of the reforms is already underway, with consultation progressing on mandatory sharing of medicines-related information from online prescribers.
Further information for healthcare providers and consumers is available on the Australian Digital Health website.
Last Updated on July 8, 2026 by Nick Ross
