The Australian government is implementing changes to improve access to pathology and diagnostic imaging reports for consumers and healthcare providers. These changes will take effect throughout 2026.
The following changes will come into effect:
Better Access
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.
Faster Access
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
Consumer control over their My Health Record information
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.
Resources
Resources for providers
Resources for consumers
Resources for pathology and diagnostic imaging providers
