Online Records

Hi EMIS is one of the around four systems that GPs use and that contains patient records. Usually you do have to ask to be able to access the 2nd level of access which then includes test results and more detail. My surgery uses System Online and I have access to me test results having asked for that 2nd level of access. You have to ask as they have the right to block you if they think you won't be able to cope with intense or bad medical info. Most CCGs are now trying to get more patients actively online to reduce surgery phone calls and queries

I have had patient access for a while and the surgery has recently updated it to one that seems to be directly linked to the NHS. To gain access to my notes initially I had to request it at the surgery and fill in a form. This generated a password. I can see all my past test results, all consultations, immunizations, referrals etc. I appreciate being able to track my own progress and to be able to see the same data as the HCPs.

SamJB said:

Does anyone know if I can access historical test results online? I’d like to look at the history of my HbA1c and lipids tests.

I use EMIS to book appointments, but it doesn’t seem to have test rulers on there.

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I have been able to see my records on line since it was first brought in. I use EMIS (Patient Access). I did have to complete a consent form and provide ID before being able to see my test results. I can see back to my childhood for certain things (immunisations and also problems - I can see the dates I had measles, chicken pox, and a broken leg when I was 2!). All my blood test results done at the surgery back to January 2006 are there, similarly all my illnesses and visits to the GP. What aren't there are any tests results done at the hospital.

You need to visit your surgery with photographic ID and ask to register for it.

One thing to maybe keep an eye on is MyDiabetesMyWay.

We've had it in Scotland for about 10 yrs now, and it seems that there's moves afoot to roll it out to England too. Somerset seems to have already done so. I've no idea whether the proposed roll out is one of these new shiny things which will just grind to a halt or whether it will be a runner.

It's not full med records, just those relating to diabetes.

I can see graphed and listed a1cs back to about 2001, and various other bits and pieces over long time frames like bmi, blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, albumin/creatinine, eye tests.

One of the interesting things was that, you know how we occasionally get those "early signs of diabetes related eye changes but dinnae worry" letters, the MDMW site shows a bit more of the background detail. It gives the results for each eye. Over a few years, I might have the right eye fine, left eye showing signs, then next year, right is showing signs but left is fine! Just goes to show how the testing can be a bit subjective and/or minor damage can repair itself.

Couple of links for anyone interested in it:

Here's how it looks up here in Scotland:
https://www.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk

Here's Somerset's take on it:
https://somerset.mydiabetes.com/AboutUs.aspx

Here's the company behind it (note: one of the principals is Dr Deborah Wake - my last 6 month checkup was with her - she's a player when it comes to diabetes tech)
http://www.mywaydigitalhealth.co.uk

And the NHS saying they plan to extend across England:
https://apps.beta.nhs.uk/my-diabetes-my-way/

I am in Somerset and the only way that I can access my records on line is through diabetesmyway and that’s only test results. I was told that it was up to individual practices what information they allowed access to and my GP surgery only allows online appointments and repeat prescriptions at the moment.

Bluetit1802 said:

I have been able to see my records on line since it was first brought in. I use EMIS (Patient Access). I did have to complete a consent form and provide ID before being able to see my test results. I can see back to my childhood for certain things (immunisations and also problems - I can see the dates I had measles, chicken pox, and a broken leg when I was 2!). All my blood test results done at the surgery back to January 2006 are there, similarly all my illnesses and visits to the GP. What aren't there are any tests results done at the hospital.

You need to visit your surgery with photographic ID and ask to register for it.

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Any letters or referrals (x-Ray results, etc.) from the hospital are also there to be seen.

Dodo said:

Any letters or referrals (x-Ray results, etc.) from the hospital are also there to be seen.

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My surgery blocks access to "documents" but there are hospital diagnoses showing either in the problems section or the test results, presumably after the hospital has informed the GP.

Just to add that in my experience EMIS is far superior to SystemOnline for looking at historical test results.

Our surgery had EMIS but changed to SystemOnline to align with the other local practices when they formed a group practice.

EMIS lets you do graphs and stuff with historical results which is very helpful.

I got a password from my medical practice and registered with Patient Access but still do not get any records or test results. When I ask the receptionists at my surgery what I have to do that I know I have to give proof of identity and agree to my records being put online then they have to do something to activate it they say they do not know what. Surely I must have to sign something to agree to it My DN said even if we have access to our records it is still up to the doctors how much they let us see so I could probably only make appointments and order repeat meds online if they do not agree to putting more than that on

I only had access to my blood test results from 2012. Recently I was unable to get any online access. It took a few weeks to get it re-instated and now only seems to have the latest (2017) test results, plus some test results from 2008.

On Patient Line I get blood tests back to 1983 but immunisations go back my whole lifetime!

Does anyone know how the NHS deals with patient records? I have seen people pushing trollies loaded with bulging files around hospitals, but how do they get the information from your GP? You would expect it all to be held on a central database but apparently not.

SamJB said:

Does anyone know if I can access historical test results online? I’d like to look at the history of my HbA1c and lipids tests.

I use EMIS to book appointments, but it doesn’t seem to have test rulers on there.

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If they aren’t there you can drop a note in to Practice Manager and they can organise it very quickly...

Mr_Pot said:

Does anyone know how the NHS deals with patient records? I have seen people pushing trollies loaded with bulging files around hospitals, but how do they get the information from your GP? You would expect it all to be held on a central database but apparently not.

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Handwritten notes in most hospitals are stored away from the building in specialised storage facilities.

Normally, at least in my CCG, my hospital notes and details from consultant were scanned by somebody in the Practice. Now my Practice has merged with others, all notes are being sent to one Practice for all 8 Practices and they have3 staff there that scan the notes to the files...other Practices apparently will help out if there is a backlog. All consultant notes should be scanned within 48 hours of them going to this scanning dept at the one Practice. That is the plan.

My consultant cannot see my blood test results taken by my GP. Unless the GP requests them to be specifically sent to a consultant. Otherwise I have to log on to my system one and show them to consultant.

Many Practices are now merging with others so it depends largely now whether your Practice is now one that in a consortium of others or whether a standalone one.

Pinkorchid said:

I got a password from my medical practice and registered with Patient Access but still do not get any records or test results. When I ask the receptionists at my surgery what I have to do that I know I have to give proof of identity and agree to my records being put online then they have to do something to activate it they say they do not know what. Surely I must have to sign something to agree to it My DN said even if we have access to our records it is still up to the doctors how much they let us see so I could probably only make appointments and order repeat meds online if they do not agree to putting more than that on

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Hi. You need to have a word with the practice manager and 'insist' that they give you access or call EMIS/Systemonline etc to find out what to do. CCGs are now trying to get patients online to reduce phone calls and unnecessary enquiries. I'm on our surgery PPG (Patient Participation Group) and the CCG has asked us to spread the word to friends etc get people online. If your surgery has a PPG (it should have one) then raise it with the PPG as that's what they are there for.

It took me 6 months to get online access to my test results. Now the practice's waiting room has a poster on wall telling people they can ask for online access.