Patient data sharing

Through informed consent, you consent to the electronic sharing of your health information. Better communication between those treating you will benefit your health. Watch the video to learn more. The text below gives you detailed information about how the sharing of your health data works.

What is informed consent for data sharing?

It is the agreement that you give as a patient for the electronic and secure sharing of your health data between those treating you. The sharing of this data takes place exclusively in the context of the continuity and quality of medical care. The regulations for the protection of your private life are respected. They are your data and are protected. You can decide to share this information or not at any time.

This consent applies to the whole of Belgium: all healthcare providers, all hospitals and all health networks in the country are thus involved, regardless of their location.

Why give your consent?

During your lifetime, you will consult with different health care providers. By giving your consent, you accept that the persons treating you share information about your health. These health care providers can treat you better if they work together and know your health history. They can then treat you faster and avoid unnecessary tests.

A concrete example:
During your vacation somewhere in Belgium, you are admitted to the emergency department. Thanks to the authorization you have granted, the people taking care of you have all the necessary information to take into account your state of health when providing care.

What data are shared?

All information in the possession of health care providers may be shared to the extent that it is useful for your treatment.

It includes, for example:

  • results of a blood test
  • x-rays
  • vaccination and medication schedules
  • medicines you were prescribed and dispensed
  • information communicated to your primary care physician after hospitalization
  • ...

All this information together forms what is known as the"shared health record."
If you wish certain information not to be shared, ask the health care provider directly not to share this information.

Who has access to your data?

The healthcare providers with whom you have a healthcare or therapeutic relationship, in other words the healthcare providers who treat you in the strict framework of quality and continuity of care. These include, for example, a general practitioner or specialist, a pharmacist, a physical therapist, nurses, a midwife, a dentist or paramedical staff.
This means that, for example, the company doctor and the doctor from your health insurance or health insurance company do not have access to your data.

What are your rights as a patient regarding data sharing?

  • You can withdraw your consent at any time. In that case, all services associated with this consent will be inactivated.
  • You can deny certain health care providers access to your data.
  • Also when you have granted your consent, you can ask the healthcare provider concerned not to share certain information.
  • You have the right to terminate a registered therapeutic relationship.
  • You have the right to appoint a trustee.

How can you register your consent?

If you agree to the principle of secure sharing of your health data, you can register your consent using your electronic identity card (eID card):

  1. via the application www.patientconsent.be
  2. via your primary care physician, your health insurance company, your pharmacy or the hospital admissions department

For children who do not have an electronic identity card (kids-ID with PIN) or for others who do not have such a card, health care providers, health insurance funds and hospital admissions services are authorized to record consent if requested by the person (or in the case of children, the parents or guardians) (via the person's social security identification number - INSZ).

You may withdraw your consent through the same channels as described above.

Security and confidentiality

The electronic health data sharing networks are strictly secured. These networks meet the highest security criteria and any access to your data is recorded. Data is encrypted across the board. Healthcare providers are bound by professional secrecy; the unauthorized consultation or use of your health data is punishable by law. Only healthcare providers with whom you have a healthcare or therapeutic relationship may access your data. The conditions of access have been established by the Sectoral Committee of Social Security and Health.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our ombudservice.