COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
It is our usual practice to only collect health information directly from our patients or their authorised representatives. The practice may collect health information from a third party or a publicly available source, but only if the patient consents to such collection or would reasonably expect us to collect their health information from the third party, or if collection is necessary to provide the patient with appropriate health care.
We will only collect your e-mail address if you send us a message or you provide us with your address directly. Your email address will only be used for the purpose for which you have provided it, and it will not be added to a mailing list or used for any other purpose without your consent.
USE AND DISCLOSURE
The practice only uses health information for the purposes of providing you with health care or for purposes which are directly related to providing you with health care. In addition, personal information is used to administer your invoicing for dental services, credit card payments, process health insurance claims or to collect unpaid invoices via an external collection agency. We will not use your health information for any other purpose unless one of the following applies:
- You have consented;
- The other purpose is directly related to providing you with health services and you would reasonably expect that your information may be used for that purpose; For example, the practice may disclose your health information to another health service provider for the purpose of providing you with health care. or
- The use of your health information is required or authorised by law.
DATA INTEGRITY
The practice takes steps to ensure that the health information we collect is accurate, up to date and complete. These steps include maintaining and updating personal and health information when you attend the practice or you advise us that your personal information has changed.
The practice takes reasonable steps to protect those records against loss, unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure, or other misuse.
ACCESS AND AMENDMENTS
If an individual requests access to health or personal information we hold about them, or requests that we change that information, we will allow access or make the changes unless we consider that there is a sound reason under the Privacy Act, or other relevant law to withhold the information, or not make the changes.
Requests for access or correction must be in writing and directed to the Practice Manager. If you have any questions, the Practice Manager can be contacted during business hours at the practice.
The practice may charge for access to or copies of health records.
MARKETING
The practice does not use your personal information for the purpose of direct marketing; and will not on-sell your personal information.
NON-DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
Although we respect your right to privacy, if you choose not to provide us with information relevant to your care, we may not be able to provide a service to you or the service we are asked to provide may not be appropriate for your needs.
Importantly, you could suffer some harm or other adverse outcome if you do not provide information relevant to your care.
COMPLAINTS
We take your privacy seriously. If you suspect there has been or may have been a breach of your privacy, you can complain directly to the Practice Manager.
In the event of a privacy breach, the practice will comply with applicable guides or guidelines issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for the handling of privacy breaches.
For more information about Privacy laws, or to raise concerns about any matter not satisfactorily resolved with the practice you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (www.oaic.gov.au or ph. 1300 363 992).
Privacy and general complaints about your care can also be directed to the Health Services Commissioner.
ENQUIRIES
For further information about the practice’s management of privacy, please contact our Practice Manager on (07) 3369 1999.