Privacy Policy

Introduction

We are committed to best practice in our management of personal information. This policy has been developed to protect patient privacy in compliance with the legislation. It outlines:

• the types of personal information that we collect and hold;

• how we collect and hold personal information;

• the purposes for which we collect, hold, use and disclose personal information;

• how you may access your personal information and request corrections to that information;

• how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will respond to such a complaint;

• the circumstances under which we may disclose personal information to overseas stakeholders.

What information do we collect?

The type of information that we collect and hold includes:

• your name, address, date of birth, email and contact details;

• your Medicare number;

• health information and other sensitive information.

How do we collect & hold information?

We usually collect personal information:

• from you directly when you provide your details to us; or

• from a person responsible for you; and

• from third parties when permitted under the Privacy Act or other laws.

Why do we collect, use & disclose personal details?

Generally we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information:

• to provide you with quality health care services;

• to communicate effectively with you;

• to provide accurate, up-to-date information to other practitioners involved in your medical treatment and health care;

• to comply with our legal obligations, which may include mandatory notification of communicable diseases; and

• to help us manage our accounts and administrative functions.

How can you access & correct information?

Subject to the exceptions set out in the Privacy Act, you can request access to, and correction of, any personal information in our possession in accordance with our access policy.

How can you lodge a complaint?

We respect, and are trained to protect, your privacy and are committed to complying with our legal obligations. We take reasonable steps to safeguard information held against misuse or loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

If you have any questions about privacy-related issues or wish to complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles or the handling of your personal information, please contact us.

Any complaint lodged in writing will be investigated and you will be notified of any decision arising from your complaint as soon as is practicable, usually within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC). The HCC responds to complaints about health services and the handling of information in Victoria, and provides a free, confidential and impartial service.

To lodge a complaint with the HCC:

- Fill out a complaint form online at www.hcc.vic.gov.au; or

- Phone 1300 582 113 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, to discuss your complaint.

Updates to this policy

This policy will be reviewed from time to time to take into account new laws or technology, changes to our operations and/or other necessary developments.