Your medical record is important to us, and therefore your privacy. Our privacy policy outlines what we do with your personal information, along with how we share this information between other medical parties involved with your care.
If you have any questions or queries in relation to this policy, please do not hesitate to contact us via any of the methods outlined at the end of the policy. |
Scope
This summary sets out the key points about how North East Rheumatology handles personal information. We collect, hold, use and disclose personal information to carry out our functions or activities under the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010 (AIC Act), the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). Collection of your personal information We usually collect personal information (including sensitive information) from you or your authorised representative when you visit our medical clinic for the first time. We do this so we may retrieve your past medical records or test results from other medical practices or facilities. Storage of your personal information Any hard copies of personal information or test results that you give us will be electronically stored into our system. Once scanned, the hard copies will be securely shredded and disposed of. All our data is stored electronically in Australia. Disclosure (sharing of personal information) We may disclose your personal information:
We do not disclose sensitive information about you unless you specifically tell us not to disclose your information to other third parties (including but not limited to health professionals, solicitors, etc). Accessing and correcting your personal information If you ask, we will give you access to the personal information that we hold about you, and take reasonable steps to correct it. Transferring your personal information to either yourself or another healthcare provider If you require a copy of your personal information to be transferred to either yourself or another healthcare provider, we require a letter from you stating that you authorise us to release your records to either yourself or the provider of your choice. This letter needs to be signed and dated by you. Once our healthcare provider has sighted the request, they will most likely comply with the request to release your personal information. We will then take reasonable steps to provide either yourself or your requested healthcare provider your personal information. We are happy to forward your personal information either via post, fax, or document pick up at the clinic. For security reasons, we do not forward this information via email. Data retention If you become an inactive patient at our clinic, we are legally required to keep your medical record for 7 years. How to make a complaint You can complain to us in writing about how we have handled your personal information. We will respond to the complaint within 30 days. How to contact us You can contact us at:
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