Our Privacy Policy

Current as of: 1/8/24

Introduction

This privacy policy is to provide information to you, our patient, 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 patient of our practice, you provide consent for our GPs and 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
• Practice audits and accreditation
• Business processes (e.g. staff training)

What personal information do we collect?

The information we will collect about you includes:

• Names, date of birth, address, contact details
• Medical information (including medical history, medications, allergies, adverse events, immunisations, social history, family history and risk factors)
• Medicare number (where available)
• 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 impractical or we are required by law to deal with identified individuals.

How do we collect your personal information?

We may collect your personal information in several ways, including:

• When you make your first appointment
• During consultations
• When you use our website, email, SMS, or phone
• From other healthcare providers or relevant organisations where necessary

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

We may share your personal information:

• With healthcare providers involved in your care
• With third parties for business purposes (e.g. accreditation, IT services)
• When required or authorised by law
• To prevent serious threats to health or safety

We will not share your information outside Australia without your consent unless legally permitted.

How do we store and protect your personal information?

Your personal information may be stored in paper or electronic formats, including:

• Medical records
• Imaging and diagnostic data
• Audio or visual records where relevant

We take all reasonable steps to ensure your information is stored securely and protected from misuse or loss.

Accessing and correcting your information

You have the right to request access to your medical records.

Requests should be made in writing where possible, and a reasonable timeframe (approximately 30 days) may apply.

We will take steps to correct any information that is inaccurate or outdated, while retaining original records where legally required.

Your Rights & Complaints

If you have any concerns or complaints, please speak with your doctor or contact the practice directly.

If unresolved, you may contact:

Health and Disability Services Complaints Office
GPO Box B61, Perth WA 6838