Introduction
This privacy policy is to provide information to you, our client, on how your personal information (which includes your health information) is collected and used within our practice, and the circumstances in which we may share it with third parties.
Why and when your consent is necessary
When you register as a client of our practice, you provide consent for our practice staff to access and use your personal information, so they can provide you with the best possible healthcare. Only staff who need to see your personal information will have access to it. If we need to use your information for anything else, we will seek additional consent from you to do this.
Why do we collect, use, hold and share your personal information?
Our practice will need to collect your personal information to provide healthcare services to you. Our main purpose for collecting, using, holding and sharing your personal information is to manage your health. We also use it for directly related business activities, such as financial claims and payments.
What personal information do we collect?
The information we will collect about you includes your:
- names, date of birth, addresses, contact details.
- medical information including brief medical history and medications.
- private health fund details.
- emergency contact details
How do we collect your personal information?
Our practice may collect your personal information in several different ways:
1. At your first appointment we will collect your personal information via our intake and administration forms.
We may also collect your personal information when you visit our website, send us an email or SMS, telephone us, or make an online appointment.
2. In some circumstances personal information may also be collected from other sources. Often this is because it is not practical or reasonable to collect it from you directly. This may include information from:
- Your guardian or responsible person.
- other involved healthcare providers, such as General Practitioners or other health care professional.
This would only be done with your consent.
When, why and with whom do we share your personal information?
We sometimes share your personal information:
- with other healthcare providers.
- when it is required or authorised by law (e.g. court subpoenas).
- when it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to a client’s life, health or safety or public health or safety, or it is impractical to obtain the patient’s consent, for example, to action a police welfare check on a client.
- when there is a statutory requirement to share certain personal information.
Only people who need to access your information will be able to do so. Other than while providing health services or as otherwise described in this policy, our practice will not share personal information with any third party without your consent. Our practice will not use your personal information for marketing any of our services directly to you without your express consent. If you do consent, you may opt out of direct marketing at any time by notifying our practice in writing.
How do we store and protect your personal information?
Your personal information is primarily stored in written form. This includes client information, client notes (which have been de-identified), and booking details. Some information including invoicing is also stored and backed-up using the practice software system.
Hard copies of records are stored in locked filing cabinets and securely office stored whilst active. Our practice stores all personal information securely. We also use password protected computers and smartphones.
We use up-to-date virus protection software on our computers and regularly conduct software updates on our devices.
We store and dispose of personal information held within records in accordance with the Archives Act 1983 and relevant records authorities.
How can you access and correct your personal information at our practice?
You have the right to request access to, and correction of, your personal information. We require you to put this request in writing. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the form which can be emailed to you. We will provide the requested information within 30 days of receiving your request via our practice’s ‘Client Consent to Obtain/Release Information’ form. A fee of $40 will be charged for the preparation of this information.
Our practice will take reasonable steps to correct your personal information where the information is not accurate or up to date. From time to time, we will ask you to verify that your personal information held by our practice is correct and current. You may also request that we correct or update your information, and you should make such requests.
How can you lodge a privacy-related complaint, and how will the complaint be handled at our practice?
We take complaints and concerns regarding privacy seriously. You should express any privacy concerns you may have in writing at the written address below:
Susan Bennett, Suite 9, 2A Redman Rd., Dee Why NSW 2099
We will respond to the complaint within 30 days of receiving the complaint in writing. You may also contact the OAIC (Office of the Aust. Information Commissioner). For further information visit www.oaic.gov.au or call the OAIC on 1300 363 992.
Privacy and our website
How we protect your personal information
The security of your personal information is important to us, but no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to other websites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites, and these websites are not subject to our privacy policy. We are not responsible for the content of these websites or the privacy practices of these sites. If you navigate to other websites via our website, we advise you to read their privacy policy.
Service Providers
We may employ third party companies and individuals to facilitate our website service, to provide a website service on our behalf, or to assist us in analyzing how our website is used. These third parties have access to your personal information shared via the website, only to perform these tasks on our behalf, and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.
Policy review statement
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.