Summary of medical records now available on YourHealthNS app

The YourHealthNS app helps Nova Scotians access healthcare providers virtually. (CTV Atlantic/ Stephanie Tsicos)

A new function on the YourHealthNS app now allows users to create and share a summarized version of their medical records with a health-care advisor or another person they trust.

The summary of medical information can include allergies and intolerances, medical conditions, diagnostic imaging, immunizations, lab tests, medications and hospital visits and stays.

“The more information a provider has about a patient’s health history, the faster they can assess and recommend treatment, especially in an emergency when every moment counts,” said Michelle Thompson, minister of Health and Wellness. “We can’t predict when and where we may need care, but we can be prepared. This allows any Nova Scotian to share a summary of their medical history with any provider, anywhere, in minutes.”

The summary is generated from provincial electronic health records and includes health data from hospitals, primary care, pharmacies and virtual care. The information can only be accessed by the user.

“Patient summary expands on our commitment to empower Nova Scotians to be in control of their healthcare journey. This snapshot allows YourHealthNS users to not only access their own data but share it with folks involved in their care, to ultimately see them get the best care possible,” said Scott McKenna, chief information officer for Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health.

Patients can share their summary by logging onto YourHealthNS, generating a unique secure link that can be sent by email or text and creating a PIN for recipients to unlock the summary. Patients can also generate a QR code on their phone to share with a health-care provider in-person.

The summary does not capture a patient’s complete medical history as not all historical health information is available.

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