The federal government has ordered an inquiry into Medicare security after people's card numbers were sold on the dark web.
Former public service chief Peter Shergold will conduct a review of how doctors check a Medicare number without a card.
The online system, designed to ensure people caught up in emergencies can get immediate treatment without a card, is used up to 45,000 times every day.
Health Minister Greg Hunt and Human Services Minister Alan Tudge say while the eight-year-old system continues to have the support of doctors, it has to be convenient and utterly secure.
"The government wants to ensure there is increased security in a system which is important to both patients and doctors," they said in a statement on Monday.
Mr Shergold will work with the presidents of the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, as well as other stakeholders.
His report is due by September 30.
