Practice Privacy Policy

Current as of: 26.6.18

Introduction

This privacy policy is intended to provide information to you, our patient, regarding how your personal information (which includes your health information) is collected and used within our practice, as well as the circumstances under which we may share it with third parties.

Why and when your consent is necessary

When you register as a patient of our practice, you provide consent for our GPs and practice staff to access and use your personal information, enabling them to provide you with the best possible healthcare. Only staff who require access to your personal information will be permitted to do so. If we need to utilize your information for any other purposes, we will seek additional consent from you to proceed.

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, practice audits and accreditation, and business processes (e.g., staff training).

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 medical history, medications, allergies, adverse events, immunisations,
  social history, family history and risk factors.
• Medicare number (where available) for identification and claiming purposes.
• Healthcare identifiers.
• Health fund details.

Dealing with us anonymously

You have the right to deal with us anonymously or under a pseudonym unless it is impracticable for us to do
so or unless we are required or authorised by law to only deal with identified individuals.

How do we collect your personal information?

Our practice may collect your personal information in several different ways.

1. When you make your first appointment, our practice staff will collect your personal and demographic information via your registration.

2. During the course of providing medical services, we may collect further personal information.

3. We may also collect your personal information when you visit our website, send us an email or SMS, telephone us, make an online appointment, or communicate with us using social media.

4. 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 specialists, allied health professionals, hospitals, community health services, and pathology and diagnostic imaging services
• Your health fund, Medicare, or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (as necessary).

When, why, and with whom do we share your personal information?

At times, your personal information may be disclosed in the following instances:

• With third parties engaged in business operations with our practice, such as accreditation agencies or information technology providers. These parties are obligated to adhere to the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the policies outlined herein.
• To other healthcare providers involved in your care.
• When mandated or authorized by law, such as in response to court subpoenas.
• In circumstances where there is a necessity to mitigate or prevent a serious threat to a patient’s life, health, or safety, or to public health or safety, or when obtaining the patient’s consent is impractical.
• For the purpose of assisting in locating a missing person.
• To establish, exercise, or defend an equitable claim.
• For confidential dispute resolution processes.
• When statutory requirements dictate the sharing of specific personal information, such as mandatory notifications for certain diseases.
• Throughout the provision of medical services, including through Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions (eTP) and My Health Record (e.g., via Shared Health Summary, Event Summary).

Access to your information will be restricted to individuals who require it for legitimate purposes. Outside the scope of medical services or as outlined in this policy, our practice will not disclose personal information to any third party without your explicit consent.

Your personal information will not be transmitted outside of Australia unless under exceptional circumstances permitted by law and with your consent.

Our practice will refrain from using your personal information for direct marketing of our goods or services without your express consent. Should you provide consent, you retain the option to opt out of direct marketing communications at any time by notifying our practice in writing.

How do we store and protect your personal information?

Your personal information may be stored at our practice in various forms, such as paper records, electronic records, and visual records (including X-rays, CT scans, videos, and photos).

Our practice securely stores all personal information. This includes storing it in password-protected electronic formats, within protected information systems, and in hard copy format within a secured environment.

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.

Our practice acknowledges that patients may request access to their medical records. We require you to submit this request in writing, and our practice will respond within 30 days.

We will take reasonable steps to correct your personal information if it is found to be inaccurate or not up to date. Periodically, we may ask you to verify that the personal information held by our practice is correct and current. Additionally, you may request corrections or updates to your information, and such requests should be made in writing to our Practice Manager.

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. If you have any privacy concerns, please express them in writing. We will then make every effort to resolve them in accordance with our resolution procedure. Please submit any complaints to the Practice Manager at

 cmmcmedicalcentre@gmail.com

Ensure to include your mailing address and contact number. We will respond to your complaint within 30 days.

Alternatively, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Generally, the OAIC will require you to allow us time to respond before they investigate. For further information, please visit www.oaic.gov.au or call the OAIC on 1300 363 992.

Policy review statement

This privacy policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it is in accordance with any changes that may occur.

Disclaimer

The Privacy policy template for general practices is intended for use as a guide of a general nature only and may or may not be relevant to particular practices or circumstances.

The Royal Australian College of General  Practitioners (RACGP) has used its best endeavours to ensure the template is adapted for general practice to address current and anticipated future privacy requirements. Persons adopting or implementing its procedures or recommendations should exercise their own independent skill or judgement, or seek appropriate professional advice.While the template is directed to general practice, it does not ensure compliance with any privacy laws, and cannot of itself guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients.

Accordingly, the RACGP disclaims all liability (including negligence) to any users of the information contained in this template for any loss or damage (consequential or otherwise), cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of reliance on the template in any manner.