The Southern NSW Medicare Local eHealth team announced the milestone last week, putting the region in fifth place Australia-wide for personally controlled electronic health record registrations.

SNSWML eHealth Manager Virginia Voce explained that an eHealth record is a secure electronic summary of an individual’s health records and information. “You and the healthcare organisations you authorise can access it online whenever you need, from wherever you are in Australia,” she said.

“Since January, we’ve been all over the region in places like doctor’s surgeries and at community events to explain the eHealth system and assist people to register on the spot.

 “The overwhelming response is that people like the security of knowing their important health information is stored securely in one place, and how that can prevent incorrect treatment or delays if they find themselves needing medical treatment away from home,” Ms Voce said.

The eHealth record system was launched by the Federal Government on 1 July 2012 and Medicare Locals are helping to register individuals and healthcare organisations.

“Over time, she says, “having an eHealth record will help make getting the right treatment faster, safer and easier.”

Last week Paula Walker from Medicare Local was in the Wilson Street Surgery helping patients to sign up and was having a 95% success rate. You can also register personally controlled electronic health record at www.ehealth.gov.au.