There are many health professionals and services in Tasmania. Your doctor will know about most of them and what they do.
To make sure that you get the best from your medical appointments with different health professionals it is important that you give permission to share the results of your tests, assessments or interventions with your doctor.
This helps the doctor keep a full health record of your condition and track your progress, should your health concern be ongoing. This also means that if you need to access your health record you can ask for a copy from your doctor’s clinic. This can take some time, so if you do ask for a copy make sure to give them at least 2 weeks’ notice so that it is available to you when you need it.
Another way to access your health record is through your My Health record. This is an Australian online central store of your important health records. You can connect to your My Health record through your MyGov account. You can access and manage your My Health record or choose to delete it at any time.
Keeping good health records helps doctors and specialists to track your progress and make sure that any treatments, including medications or interventions, are making a difference.
If you have chosen not to have a My Health record, it is handy to keep your important health records and assessments in a folder that you can easily access at home as well as take to appointments when needed.
When you see a specialist health professional you may be asked about your ‘health or medical history’. If this information is easily available, you will be able to share this to help get the best outcome from your treatment.
Remember you can choose who you share your health information with, it is confidential. All health professionals must keep your health records private and must not share your medical information with anyone unless you give them permission to do so. Remember, if you have a My Health record you can access and manage it or choose to delete it at any time.
GET STARTED
If you are having a medical emergency phone 000 now for assistance in Australia
If you need health information after hours and it is not an emergency you can, check your symptoms, find a health service or find health information on this Australian Government Healthdirect website.
To prepare for making the most out of your appointment with your doctor, it is important that they have a full understanding of your health concerns. Click on the action steps section on this page to guide you to getting the most out of your visit to the doctor.
Are you aware of your family’s health history? Start to have some conversations with your family to uncover any family health concerns that you should inform your doctor about.
If you have a My Health record and want to know who can access your health information, and what information is being shared, visit the MyHealthRecord website and logon to your MyGov account.
When you book your appointment with the doctor, ask how much this will cost you and if the doctor bulk bills. To find out more about Medicare and bulk billing, visit the Medicare website, call 132 011 or make an appointment at a Medicare office in Tasmania
If you need some assistance to give the doctor information or to understand or remember information about your health condition, take some notes with you to your appointment or ask the doctor or medical professional to write down some notes for you to take away with you. You can also choose to take along a trusted family member, a friend or a paid support worker to assist you.
ACTION STEPS
Here you can find a simple list of the best actions to take if you are interested in this topic:
1 .
Before going to your doctor, write down or think about the details of your health condition. What are you going to see the doctor for? What are you worried about?
2 .
Consider, where are you having problems? How long have you had this health problem? Is it hours, days, weeks, months, years?
3 .
If you have lots of health concerns to discuss with the doctor tell the receptionist or book a longer appointment online. Check how much this will cost and if the doctor or medical practitioner bulk bills.
4 .
Remember, it is okay to ask your doctor questions too. Write them down or ask someone to assist you to do this before you attend your appointment.
5 .
If you’ve looked up your problems on the internet and you’re worried about a particular health concern, take a print out or copy of what you have read, and let the doctor know what information you found. They will then be able to talk to you about it.
6 .
If your appointment is with a new doctor, you may need to tell them about other health issues you have or health issues you have had in the past. Take along relevant health assessments and reports to share.
7 .
Some problems may run in families, so it can be helpful to know if members of your biological family have experienced particular health concerns. This will help them get to know you better.
8 .
Take your Medicare card with you to every medical appointment. If you have a Health Care card make sure to tell the doctor’s or specialist’s receptionist.
9 .
When you talk to your doctor be honest and don’t be afraid to talk about things that may embarrass you. Don’t worry, a doctor has heard everything before and they will not talk about your health conditions to other people unless you have agreed to this.
10 .
Remember, keep your medical notes, names of medications, and medical assessments and reports together in one folder and in a secure place.