Patient Access

Electronic health data is a secure, digital collection of information about your interactions with the health system. Think of it as a digital health record, like a bank statement that tracks your financial transactions. It provides a comprehensive view of your health history.

Accessing your electronic health data gives you greater control over managing your and your family’s health. With up-to-date information available digitally, you can:

• Have more informed conversations with your health care providers.
• Take a more connected and collaborative approach to your care.

Your electronic health data is managed by a "Trustee" or "Custodian." This could be:

• Government institutions.
• Regional health authorities.

A number of provinces have provincial patient access platforms where patients can access their health information. You can also request access to your electronic health data by contacting your physician or hospital.

Trustees or custodians may charge a nominal fee for providing copies of your health records. These fees typically cover administrative and printing costs, if applicable.

Access to your electronic health data can help you live a healthier life. With this access, you can:

• Track and understand your overall health and conditions.
• Manage your health more effectively.
• Have more informed, productive conversations with your health care providers.
• Potentially reduce in-person visits to a doctor or emergency room.

Your trustee or custodian may share your electronic health data with:

• Other health care providers, when required for your care.
• Third parties, such as insurance companies, with your consent or as authorized by law or court order.
• You can also choose to share access with a trusted caregiver or family member.

Protecting your digital health data is a top priority. Privacy laws at the federal and provincial/territorial levels govern how health care organizations manage and secure health information:

• The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): Sets national standards for protecting personal information in the private sector.
• Provincial and territorial privacy laws, such as those in Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, may apply instead of PIPEDA in some cases.
• Infoway collaborates with jurisdictions across Canada through working groups like the Privacy Forum and workshops like the Information Governance Summit to identify best practices for privacy and security within the health care sector.

If you believe your electronic health data is inaccurate or incomplete, you can request a correction from your trustee or custodian. Find more information on requesting corrections here.