Privacy Policy
Your personal information is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988. Your personal information and medical history may be collected by the clinic or clinicians for the purpose of assessment, treatment and medical management.
All personal information gathered by the care provider and clinic during the provision of the services will remain confidential and secure except where there is serious or imminent risk to the client or another person, or the information is required by the law.
WHY WE COLLECT
The primary reason is to provide you with quality health care, in order to comprehensively assess, diagnose and treat you.
HOW WE COLLECT
We will collect your details, along with any past or future history from both you, those you provide as contacts to us, your referring clinician and your external healthcare providers. This may include, but not be limited to, clinical notes, pathology and radiology reports. Information gathered will be directly related to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the client’s condition. The information is securely stored, and will only be seen by the practice staff. Information is recorded by your care provider in order to document what has happened during each appointment and enables the clinician to provide relevant and informed services. If there is any information you do not wish for us to access, we are happy to discuss this with you.
HOW WE USE THIS INFORMATION
- Communication: your health record is used to communicate with others involved in your care. This includes your referring doctor and specialists who may receive a letter outlining the outcome of your consultation.
- Administrative purposes: this includes maintenance of records and billing. In the event of any outstanding accounts, information may also be forwarded to a collection agency.
- Research and education: our staff are passionate about delivering evidence-based best practice. This includes involvement in teaching, research and quality assurance. Where your information is utilised for teaching purposes, it will be de-identified and your name will NOT be disclosed. Our clinic collects information regarding the number, type and outcomes of interventions / treatments undertaken and may use this de-identified information for the aforementioned purposes.
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
A brief report will be sent to your GP regarding relevant clinical information and treatment, as required by Medicare.
As a client, you may request access to the information that is kept about you on file. This material will be released to you unless relevant legislation provides otherwise.
Your clinician / care provider may discuss your information with others only if:
a) It is subpoenaed by a court or if disclosure is otherwise required or authorized by law; or
b) Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious and imminent risk; or
c) Your prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to another professional or agency. e.g. a specialist, allied health professional or a lawyer; or
d) Your prior approval has been obtained to discuss the material with another person, e.g. a parent.
CONSENT TO CONTACT THIRD-PARTY ORGANISATIONS ON YOUR BEHALF
At times we may be required to contact third-party organisations on your behalf, or at your request, in the process of our treatment of you. By signing this consent form you give both the care provider and clinic staff permission to contact these organisations regarding your treatment if required.
