myGov is a federal government website that can be accessed using a computer or downloading the official myGov app (Apple App Store or Android Play Store) on a smartphone.

Some of the services you can link to and use via your myGov account include:

• Centrelink
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Medicare
• My Aged Care
• My Health Record
• National Disability Insurance Scheme

To find out more, create a myGov account or link services visit:

• myGov or call the myGov helpdesk on 13 23 07
• Services Australia myGov help guides

My Health Record is a safe and secure place to keep your key health information and is available to you and your healthcare providers whenever it’s needed, including in an emergency. It includes key health information like immunisations, pathology and diagnostic imaging reports, prescription and dispensing information, hospital discharge summaries and more, all in one place.

The benefits of creating a My Health Record include:

• Fast access to key health information in an emergency
• Secure and convenient access to health information
• Safer, faster more efficient care for the person you care for
• Less need for you, as a carer, to remember key aspects of medical history and medications
• Improved management of health information
• Informed self-management of health conditions

Most Australians have a My Health Record. Information to set up My Health Record can be found here. To access your My Health Record, you need to have a myGov account.

If you don’t already have a My Health Record, you can register for one at any time. This includes if you have previously opted out or cancelled your record. You can register for a My Health Record through myGov or by completing an application form.

For more information on My Health Record as a carer is available here.

Your medicines can be prescribed using an electronic prescription. An electronic prescription is a digital version of your paper prescription which is given to you by the doctor via an SMS or email. As a carer, the person you are caring for can forward the message to you so that you can collect the medicine. They can also nominate to have the electronic prescription sent straight to you from their healthcare provider.

Once the electronic prescription is received, you can show your pharmacist on your device or you can send it to them. If you have repeats, a new SMS or email will be sent to you. The Australian Digital Health Agency has recorded a helpful podcast episode on Electronic Prescriptions here.

Through electronic prescriptions, a person can also have an Active Script List set up with their pharmacist to help manage multiple medications.

To find out more about electronic prescriptions talk to your doctor or pharmacist, visit the Australian Digital Health Agency.

Telehealth is when a patient uses a phone or a video call to consult with a health professional. This may include a GP, specialist, nurse practitioner, Aboriginal Health Worker or an allied health service.

It’s not intended to replace essential visits to the doctor or health professional, but rather be a convenient solution for when you or the person you care for can’t see a doctor ‘face to face’.

In many cases, a person will be able to access telehealth with the support of Medicare, however patients need to have an existing clinical relationship with their GP telehealth provider to meet eligibility requirements.

It is important to keep in mind that Telehealth has changed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and you should check you are able to continue to access this service with your chosen service provider.

To find out more about telehealth services visit:

• Australian Government Department of Health
• Australian Digital Health Agency
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs for DVA clients

We get it! Accessing information and services digitally can be overwhelming if you are not currently as “technology savvy” as you would like to be. There are initiatives and facilities that can help you improve your digital literacy so you can confidently and safely access health services for you and the person you care for.

• Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. You can also call the helpline on 1300 795 897 (9am-5pm, AEST/AEDT Sydney) to find a community organisation partner in your local area.
• Public libraries often provide access to Wi-Fi, computers, laptops and tablets. For information on public libraries visit the Australian Public Library Alliance.
• Good Things Foundation Australia’s Your Health in Your Hands is a health digital inclusion program which supports people aged over 18 years to gain the essential digital skills and confidence to manage their health and wellbeing.
• Telstra’s Tech Savvy Seniors helps build the skills and confidence to use computers, tablets and smartphones. It includes face-to-face training, how-to guides and training materials in over 14 languages.
• Stay Safe Online provides information on how to protect yourself, your family and your devices with tips and resources.
• The Australian Government Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides resources for online safety and protecting your privacy.