My Health Record frequently asked questions

What are Healthcare Identifiers?

A healthcare identifier is a unique 16-digit identifier that will be used on paper and electronic health information records, such as My Health Record. A healthcare identifier is assigned to individuals and healthcare providers and organisations that provide health services and will clearly identify who is involved in a patient's care.

What is PRODA?

PRODA (Provider Digital Access) is a method of authentication to provide users with access to government services online. You can access a number of services using PRODA, including:

• Health Professional Online Services (HPOS)
• Medicare Online
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Online (PBS Online)
• Disability Medical Assessment Online service
• Aged Care Provider Portal
• Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
• Practice Incentives Program (PIP)
• Practice Nurse Incentives Program (PNIP)
• DVA Webclaim
• My Health Record National Provider Portal

What is HPOS?

HPOS (Health Professional Online Services) is a simple and secure way for eligible providers or organisations to do business online with Services Australia.

What is an HPI-O?

A Healthcare Provider Identifier - Organisation, is a number that is assigned to eligible healthcare organisations (e.g. hospitals, health centres) once they have registered with the HI service, to support their unique identification. The HPI-O number begins with 800362, is 16 digits long and is required to register for the digital health record system.

What is an HPI-I?

This is a unique identifier number given to an individual healthcare provider. Any healthcare provider registered with Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) will have a number automatically issued to them. This number begins with 800361 and is 16 digits long. Health practitioners not registered by AHPRA can apply for a HPI-I from the Health Identifier service.

What is an IHI?

An Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) is allocated to individuals enrolled in the Medicare program or issued a Department of Veterans' Affairs treatment card and others who seek healthcare in Australia (e.g. tourists, visa card holders).

What is a Seed Organisation?

A seed organisation is a legal entity that provides or controls the delivery of healthcare services. A seed organisation could be, for example, a local GP practice, pharmacy, or private medical specialist.

What is a Responsible Officer (RO)?

The officer of an organisation who is registered with the HI Service and has authority to act on behalf of the Seed Organisation and relevant Network Organisations (if any) in its dealings with the System Operator of the My Health Record system. For large organisations, the RO may be the chief executive officer or chief operations officer. For small organisations (such as a general practice), the RO may be a practice manager or business owner.

What is an Organisation Maintenance Officer (OMO)?

An officer of an organisation who is registered with the HI Service and acts on behalf of a Seed Organisation and/or Network Organisation (if any) in its day-to-day administrative dealings with the HI Service and the My Health Record system.

Healthcare organisations can have more than one OMO if they wish. In general practice, this role may be assigned to the practice manager, if you have one, and/or other senior staff who are familiar with the practice's clinical and administrative systems. Alternatively, the RO may take on the OMO role as well.