One week since the Share by Default reforms took effect, Australians are already seeing the benefits, with more health information being added to My Health Record and more people using it 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% (to over 3 million views weekly) as at 7 June 2026, as a direct result of healthcare providers uploading 105% more of these reports to My Health Record (to over 5 million uploads weekly).
This strong momentum reflects that Australians value timely access to their own health information, and that healthcare providers have embraced the changes that support safer, more connected care.
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.
Australian Digital Health Agency Chief Executive Officer Amanda Cattermole PSM said the reforms are 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 said.
Research released on 29 June by Black Book Market Research highlights strong sector support for the Share by Default reforms and the benefits of connected care. Its 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% believe Share by Default can improve care coordination, reduce information gaps or support safer consumer access. The report also found that 91% of respondents believe the policy direction is the right one for Australia, 94% agree Share by Default will improve care coordination and 92% agree it will reduce duplicate requests or missing information over time.
The research also pointed to strong readiness across the sector, with 92% of healthcare organisations reporting they have engaged with software providers regarding readiness activities and 85% seeking formal readiness information.
Ms Cattermole said 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 incredibly encouraging and shows a shared commitment across the sector to improving how health information is safely and securely shared,” Ms Cattermole said.
“This is about giving consumers and their healthcare teams better access to the information they need to support more connected, coordinated and informed care.”
The findings follow a comprehensive program of stakeholder engagement, education and implementation support delivered by the Agency since the reforms were announced in 2023. Working with healthcare providers, peak bodies, jurisdictions, software vendors and industry partners, the Agency has supported organisations’ readiness for implementation to maximise the benefits of connected care.
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.
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 $146.3 million over 2 years.
The next phase of the reforms is already underway, with consultation progressing on mandatory sharing of medicines-related information from online prescribers.
