National Rural Health Alliance CEO Mark Diamond says while country people can opt out of My Health Record, he implores them not to saying “simply put, My Health Record can save lives." 

“Australians living in rural and remote areas are more likely to end up in an emergency department from from a heart attack, car accident or diabetic coma,” he said.

“If they’re unconscious, and the medical team doesn’t have access to their health history, the team may not be able to provide life saving care,” Mr Diamond said.

Country people are 25 per cent more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease.  They are 40 per cent more likely to die from diabetes, and they are five times as likely to die from a road accident in remote areas.

 “If you live outside a major city, you have less access to health services, and are more likely to delay getting medical treatment.  That means you’re more likely to end up being hospitalised,” Mr Diamond said.

“A My Health Record means that all your important health information is at the fingertips of your doctor, nurse or surgeon,” he said.

A My Health Record will automatically be created for all Australians by year’s end, unless they opt out.  The opt out period runs for three months until Monday, October 15.