Are you ready for incoming Share by Default changes?

From 1 July, pathology and diagnostic imaging results will be uploaded by default to My Health Record, where they can be viewed instantly by our patients either through my.gov.au or the 1800MEDICARE app (previously known as the ‘my health’ app).
 
This is the next phase of the Share by Default changes that began in 2025 – a game-changing move for patients and clinicians alike.
 
Having access to results might empower patients to take an active role in their own healthcare, collaborating with their GPs and other healthcare providers for a fuller understanding of their health and decisions pertaining to their treatment.
 
From a general practice perspective, Share by Default is another step towards interoperability.
 
At the RACGP, we’ve long supported initiatives that help health data flow seamlessly across the various arms of the healthcare system. We know that having timely access to this data is associated with better outcomes for patients.
 
However, there might be unintended consequences of the Share by Default rules for general practice.
 
For example, some patients might be disinclined to attend (due to inconvenience and potential cost) a follow-up appointment if they access and interpret their reports for themselves and are satisfied with the results.
 
Anecdotally this is already happening, with some patients ringing to cancel their pre-booked consults after looking over their own results online. Or they may be declining recalls to review with a doctor when prompted (via SMS or reception/nursing staff calls).
 
Conversely, we might see a lengthening of follow-up consults, with patients wanting to discuss the results they have seen in greater depth.
 
Other patients might experience anxiety in reading their results without the clinical guidance of a medical practitioner.
 
Still others might be frustrated or even angry, questioning why their results haven’t been attended to immediately by their GP when there is a delay in reviewing the information.
 
We’ve already had a taste of what to expect with the rollout of share-by-default protocols in October 2025, when simple pathology reports were immediately uploaded to My Health Record and the 1800MEDICARE app, and again in March 2026 when this was expanded to include limb X-rays.
 
However, many patients aren’t even aware of My Health Record, let alone that they can view their own results there. With time and increased community awareness, patient viewing will become more common.
 
If you haven’t already, it’s a good time to think about your own processes for following up test results with your patients.
 
You will need to ensure that patients are clear on how they can expect to manage the results of their pathology testing or diagnostic imaging with you with this new level of transparency.
 
You will also need to develop safety net protocols ensuring patients are followed up appropriately.
 
More information about the Share by Default changes, including details about exceptions, is available from the Australian Digital Health Agency.
 
I’m optimistic about the expansion of the share-by-default initiative.
 
There will be a greater likelihood that we will be able to find results of tests that we are currently asked to ‘chase’ or ones we would like to review ourselves if they have been requested elsewhere.
 
This is a great opportunity to modernise our data sharing arrangements with patients and other healthcare providers.
 
I’d be keen to hear in the comments about your thoughts on the changes, including whether you’ve experienced any of the challenges above already, and any adaptations you’ve made to your practice as a result.
 
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