MySaskHealthRecord
On October 8, 2019, the government and eHealth launched MySaskHealthRecord. The news release stated, “New Website Allows Saskatchewan Residents to Access Their Personal Health Information Anywhere, Anytime”. This is an exciting first step in allowing citizens to access their own personal health information. It allows them to get lab results, imaging reports, and details of a clinical visit (hospital or emergency) quickly. It has always been accepted that my personal health information is my information but accessing it could be challenging. One of the benefits of technology is that it allows us to get that information easily and quickly.
For every benefit of a technical advancement there is an added responsibility imposed on us. Your pin or password is very important. You should not share it with anyone. MySaskHealthRecord is only available to users to access their own data at this time. However, a senior citizen might have to rely on a trusted son or daughter. Maybe that involves the son or daughter that is the proxy under a health care directive or personal attorney under a power of attorney. Therefore, sharing and proxy access is something that will be valuable in the future for MySaskHealthRecord. Put another way, one should not leave this pin or password laying around or casually share it with anyone else. For advice on developing a strong password, check out this link.
I am hopeful eHealth will continue to enhance MySaskHealthRecord in the future. For example, can I see the prescriptions I have had filled? In addition, can I see who in the health care system has accessed my health record? Since my personal health information is my information, I have the right, and at times, the need to know who else is looking and question if it is for a legitimate purpose. The only people that should be looking are those I have consulted regarding my personal health situation or have a legitimate need-to-know.
Congratulations to eHealth. I look forward to future enhancements to the system.
To register for a MySaskHealthRecord account, click here.