Newfoundland makes health records accessible on iPhones

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The government of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced the MyHealthNL app, which allows people in the province to securely view their personal health records from smartphones and computers. The app will be expanded in the coming months to include more services, such as integration to virtual care, access to an online health system checker, and the ability to view certain appointments.

“The new MyHealthNL app is another way we are expanding health care services to everyone in the province. The app now provides people with user-friendly, easy access to services that they can view from their home. It complements our work to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, provide virtual primary and emergency care, and expand the scope of practice for professionals such as nurse practitioners and pharmacists. All of this works together to form a new and improved health care service in our province,” said Tom Osborne (pictured), Minister of Health and Community Services.

The following personal health information is available on MyHealthNL:

Laboratory results

• New or amended lab results will be available on MyHealthNL seven (7) days after results are released to the ordering health care provider.
• Only final results are viewable on MyHealthNL. You won’t see any pending or cancelled results.
• Some lab tests completed prior to MyHealthNL going live may be available. Historical data on lab test results varies depending on the region, and some lab test results go as far back as 2015 to 2018.

X-ray reports

• New or amended X-ray results will be available on MyHealthNL 14 days after the results are released to the ordering health care provider.
• Only final results are viewable on MyHealthNL. You will not see any draft or cancelled results.
• X-rays completed prior to June 27, 2023 will not be available on MyHealthNL to view.

Dispensed medications

• A two-year history of dispensed medication from community pharmacies will be accessible on MyHealthNL.
• Medications dispensed during a hospital admission are not available to view on MyHealthNL.
• Prescriptions that have not been dispensed are not available to view on MyHealthNL.

Allergy information 

• Any allergies or adverse drug reactions that have been recorded by a community pharmacy.
• Allergies or adverse drug reactions recorded during a hospital admission are not available to view.

Other information/features available on MyHealthNL include: 

• Access to a health library of information about health conditions, tests, procedures, and medications.
• Links to online mental health supports (e.g., Bridge the gapp), help lines and other resources.
• Patients can share their personal health record with family members or trusted caregivers.

“We are pleased to launch MyHealthNL, an all-in-one app that provides secure and convenient access to health-care services, information and resources. The app can help patients and families monitor medications, better manage chronic conditions, have consistent access to accurate and credible medical information and have more informed discussions with their health-care providers. The app empowers patients and families to become active participants in their own health while demonstrating NL Health Services’ commitment to transforming the health-care system to one that is modern and accessible, as outlined in Health Accord NL,” said Karen Stone, CEO (Interim), NL Health Services.

The app will be expanded in the coming months to include more services, such as integration to virtual care, access to an online health symptom checker, and the ability to book and view some appointments.

Whether you’re looking to manage your chronic conditions, monitor your medications, view your test results, have more informed discussions with your health provider, or simply access credible medical information, MyHealthNL is your trusted health app, every step of the way.

The app is available from the Apple store today and coming soon to Google Play.

Having access to your personal health record helps you:

• monitor your medications
• better manage your chronic conditions
• have consistent access to accurate information
• have more informed discussions with health-care providers
• save time and transportation costs travelling to a health provider visit
• improved care for those without a primary care provider, and
• easily and securely share your personal health record with family or trusted caregivers, so that those in your circle of care can support you through your health journey.

Privacy and confidentiality
The privacy and confidentiality of your health information is very important. We have taken significant steps to ensure that your personal health information remains private and confidential. The personal health record leverages the highest privacy standards so the people of the province can be assured their information is protected.
Your personal health information resides on the same secure networks and systems used by our health-care providers in the delivery of care today.

Can I schedule appointments on MyHealthNL?
Not yet! This is the first release of MyHealthNL. Over time the app will be expanded to include the ability to schedule medical appointments, receive virtual primary care, check health symptoms online, and more!