E-health vision has Roxon revved up

HEALTH Minister Nicola Roxon is riding waves of excitement as she unveils the draft concept of operations for personally controlled e-health records.

HEALTH Minister Nicola Roxon is riding waves of excitement as she unveils the draft concept of operations for personally controlled e-health records, nearly a year after committing $467 million to realising her vision.

"It's exciting for us just to see things moving," Ms Roxon told The Australian. "The e-health initiative has been dogged by the go-slow of the previous government and we inherited the baggage. And because this is so complex, it has taken time to shepherd it into the right shape, develop the strategic vision and make the necessary decisions.

"I really think we're at that point now, and we're keen to show people how things will work, and get their feedback."

Ms Roxon said she was wedded to the concept of consumers having "personal control" over the creation and use of their sensitive medical records.

"There definitely needs to be very careful handling of the regulations around health information-sharing, and the involvement of private organisations like health insurers, which might like to host records for their members," she said.

"It's interesting. It's often consumers saying they want to share their information because it may mean they get better treatment, or access to more appropriate care.

"That's why I'm so committed to personal control being a key part of the design -- because it will protect people and allow them to choose.

"Legislation can set the framework, but ultimately the person having the key that unlocks access to their record will provide the most protection."

The e-health record system, in future, would be closely linked into the Medicare Locals and Local Hospital Networks, she said. "Because we're still building the national e-health infrastructure, we're not quite ready to make all of the ties into those programs," Ms Roxon said.

"But, obviously, all of our decisions are made with that in mind, because there are clear opportunities for the way services can be provided in local areas.

"In truth, although people travel or move interstate -- and in those situations the PCEHR will be very helpful -- most people

get their healthcare within a reasonable distance around where they live.

"The networks and Medicare Locals will be an absolute boon here, and there will be opportunities in future for them to run various programs for their local populations."

The draft PCEHR Concept of Operations is due to be published today at www.yourhealth.gov.au.

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