Cyber security experts have issued a warning to Australians as their health records go online under a new $2 billion government-backed scheme.
Millions of patient records will be uploaded as part of the My Health system in a bid to help the medical industry go digital.
Online data security experts have warned patients to be wary of their medical details being put online but not only because of hackers but because of careless doctors.
Cyber security experts have issued a warning to Australians as their health records go online under a new $2 billion government-backed scheme
Millions of patient records will be uploaded as part of the My Health system in a bid to help the medical industry go digital
Nigel Phair, director of the University of New South Wales’ Canberra Cyber, said he worries patients ‘sensitive’ records might be compromised by the lack of security in doctor surgeries.
‘I go to my GP and there might be two receptionists and five or six doctors,’ Mr Phair told 9 News.
‘The front desk isn’t always occupied – there might be a post-it note on the screen with log in details which I can look at,’ he said.
Mr Phair said details at risk of falling into the hands of criminals and also insurance companies.
As of July 1, almost six million patients and more than 12,000 healthcare providers had registered for the My Health record.
Australians have three months to opt out of being part of the new system run by the Australian Digital Health Agency.
Under the plan, patients will be able to view their own medical records through the My Gov system.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has said the new system will help to protect and save lives.
Dr Tony Bartone vice president of the Australian Medical Association said he could see other uses for the new digital system that could provide better care for patients.
‘We feel a digital health record will give additional information especially to people who are not the usual medical practitioners of a patient – for example, you’re on holidays and you go to an emergency department,’ he said.
As of July 1, almost six million patients and more than 12,000 healthcare providers have registered for the My Health record
Health Minister Greg Hunt has said the new system will help to protect and save lives