The New Brunswick government’s move to make blood test results available online is getting a good review from the executive director of Ability New Brunswick, a non-profit group that supports people with reduced mobility.
Some clients of the organization who have serious health issues are excited about the change, said Haley Flaro.
“It helps people to be better partners in their own health care,” she said.
People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, and people undergoing cancer treatments are among those who stand to benefit the most, said Flaro.
“They can take a look at the results in advance, write down questions, write down concerns and be prepared for their meeting with their primary health care providers.”
She also thinks it will help relieve the “very stressed” health system.
The New Brunswick Medical Society also welcomed greater patient access to records, saying that having lab results and “potentially other types of results” online could benefit patients and free up doctors’ time as well.
When results are normal, a patient wouldn’t have to make an appointment with a doctor, said Dr. Michèle Michaud, society president.
“In some cases, however, results may not be clear or easy to understand, in which case a followup appointment with a physician is still recommended.”
But not everyone has access to the new service yet.
For security reasons, only people whose identity has been confirmed in person at a medical appointment can get a “verified” MyHealthNB account,