Shared health summary

A shared health summary is a clinical document in My Health Record that summarises important health information at a point in time. It may include conditions, medicines, allergies and immunisations. It is usually prepared by a nominated primary healthcare provider and is not the same as the provider's complete clinical notes.

Why is it useful?

A summary can help another clinician understand key background information, particularly when you receive care in more than one setting. It may reduce the need to reconstruct details from memory. However, its value depends on accuracy, currency and appropriate access.

Tell a new clinician if there have been changes since the summary was created. A recent prescription, new allergy or hospital admission may not yet be reflected. Do not assume every consultation automatically updates the document.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Shared health summaries - Australian Digital Health Agency.

Can I correct something that is wrong?

If you notice an error or missing information, contact the healthcare provider responsible for the summary and ask how it can be reviewed. Keep the distinction between a factual error and a clinical opinion clear when discussing concerns. You can also review the access and privacy controls available through My Health Record.

A shared summary does not replace carrying essential information when it matters. A current medicines list and relevant recent reports can still be useful at an appointment, especially if systems are unavailable or a provider cannot access the record.

Is it the same as a referral or discharge summary?

No. Those documents usually relate to a particular episode or transfer of care, while a shared health summary provides broader background. Different documents can coexist in the record and may have different dates.

See Doccio's online doctor information and privacy information for its current arrangements. This definition does not promise that every Doccio consultation creates or updates a shared health summary. Ask the clinician what information will be documented and shared.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.