Accessing Pre-Arrival Health Information #
Refugee health records can help healthcare providers understand a newcomer’s medical history and support continuity of care after arrival in Australia.
At a glance #
- Every Refugee Household member is assigned a HAP ID during the pre-migration health process.
- Refugee Health services can use HAP IDs to access pre-arrival health information.
- Arrange appropriate referrals early to support ongoing healthcare.
Using HAP IDs #
When your CSG is matched with a Refugee Household, you will receive a Refugee Household Profile containing each household member’s HAP ID (Health Assessment Program ID).
This unique identifier allows authorised Refugee Health services to access pre-arrival health information collected during the refugee health assessment process.
The Refugee Health Network of Australia (RheaNA) provides information about Refugee Health services across Australia.
Refugee Health Network of Australia:
https://www.refugeehealthaustralia.org/
Find your state or territory Refugee Health contact:
https://www.refugeehealthaustralia.org/#state-contacts
Accessing refugee health records #
Refugee Health services, along with the clinics listed in CRSA’s guidance, can access the HAPlite database, which contains refugees’ pre-migration health information.
Where a Refugee Health service is available locally, CSGs can arrange for the Household to receive a comprehensive Refugee Health Assessment before transitioning to ongoing care with a GP.
Refugee Health Assessment:
https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/refugee-health-assessment/
If there is no local Refugee Health service #
If your region does not have a Refugee Health service, the lead Refugee Health service for your state or territory can arrange for the Household’s pre-arrival health records to be transferred to the nominated GP.
Registration and consent requirements vary between Refugee Health services, so follow the processes provided by your local service.
All CSGs in Western Australia should seek advice from the Humanitarian Entrant Health Service before the Household arrives.
Humanitarian Entrant Health Service (WA):
https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Humanitarian-Entrant-Health-Service
“Sharing appropriate health information helps healthcare providers deliver informed, continuous care from the very beginning of settlement.”
