Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect personal and health information necessary to provide you with quality medical care, including:

• Personal details: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, Medicare number
• Health information: Medical history, current medications, allergies, test results, consultation notes
• Billing information: Medicare details, concession cards, private health insurance details
• Emergency contacts: Next of kin or emergency contact details

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

• Provide medical care and treatment
• Process Medicare and health fund claims
• Refer you to specialists, hospitals, or other healthcare providers
• Communicate with you about appointments and test results
• Meet legal and regulatory requirements
• Improve our services through de-identified data analysis

Protecting Your Information

We take the security of your personal information seriously. Our practice:

• Uses secure, encrypted electronic medical records systems
• Restricts access to patient records to authorized clinical and administrative staff
• Maintains physical security measures for paper records
• Trains all staff in privacy and confidentiality requirements
• Regularly reviews and updates our security procedures

Sharing Your Information

We may share your health information with:

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)
• Hospitals when you are admitted or referred
• Pathology labs and imaging centres for tests
• My Health Record (if you have one and haven't opted out)
• Government authorities when required by law (e.g., notifiable diseases)

We will not share your information for marketing purposes or sell it to third parties.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your medical records (a fee may apply for copies)
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Know who has accessed your records
• Complain if you believe your privacy has been breached
• Opt out of receiving non-essential communications

Retention of Records

Medical records are retained in accordance with legal requirements. Generally, adult records are kept for at least 7 years from the last consultation, and children's records are kept until they reach 25 years of age.

Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions about this policy or wish to make a privacy-related request, please contact our Privacy Officer:

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au