how we collect, store, use and disclose your personal
information;
how you may access your personal information;
how we protect the quality and security of your personal
information;
how you may seek correction of any personal information we
hold; and
how you may make a complaint about our handling of your
personal information.
In addition to our professional and ethical obligations, at
a minimum, our Practice handles your personal information in accordance with
federal and state privacy law. This
includes complying with the federal Australian Privacy Principles forming part of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
and the Victorian Health Privacy Principles
forming part of the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).
More information can be found on the Australian Information
Commissioner’s website www.oaic.gov.au or the Victorian Privacy Commissioner at
https://www.privacy.vic.gov.au and/or the Victorian Health Services
Commissioner at http://www.health.vic.gov.au.
Collection of information
The Practice collects and holds personal information about
you so that we may properly assess, diagnose, treat and be proactive in your
health care needs.
The type of personal information we collect may include:
personal details (name, address, date of birth, Medicare
number);
your medical history;
referral to other health services providers;
results and reports received from other health service
providers; and
credit card or direct debit information for billing
purposes.
Wherever practicable we will collect this information from
you personally - either at the Practice, over the phone, via written
correspondence or via internet if you transact with us online.
In some instances we may need to collect information about
you from other sources such as referring doctors, treating specialists,
pathology, radiology, hospitals or other health care providers.
In an emergency, we may collect information from your
immediate family, friends or carers.
Use and disclosure
Your personal information will only be used or disclosed for
purposes directly related to providing you with quality health care, or in ways
you would reasonably expect us to use it in order to provide you with this
service.
This includes use or disclosure:
to the professional team directly involved in you health
care, including treating doctors, pathology services, radiology services and
other specialists outside this medical practice.;
to your health insurance fund, Medicare or other
organisations responsible for the financial aspects of your care;
where required by law, for example, pursuant to a subpoena;
to insurers or lawyers for the defence of a medical claim;
and/or
to assist with training and education of other health care
professionals.
to organisations, lawyers or insurers who have referred you
for an examination that you have consented to. In some instances, the Privacy
Policy of the requestor of the examination would additionally apply or take
precedence.
Information Quality
We aim to ensure the information we hold about you is
accurate, complete, up to date and relevant. To this end our staff may ask you
to confirm that your personal details are correct when you attend a
consultation.
Storage
Our Practice takes all reasonable steps to protect the
security of the personal information we hold
Access to your personal information
Under law you have a right to access personal information we
hold about you, with some exceptions.
We ask that you put your request in writing with your
identification details and an address to which confidential material can be
sent. A fee for the retrieval and copying of your medical record will apply,
charged in accordance with the schedule of fees specified in the Health Records
Regulations 2008 (Vic), plus GST. This fee is not redeemable through Medicare.
Amendment of your personal information
If you consider the information we hold about you is not
correct, please contact the Practice in writing. You have the right to have any incorrect information
corrected. However there may be some
circumstances in which we may have to refuse a request for correction. In such
cases you can request that we include a statement with that record that you
made a request for correction.
What happens if you choose to withhold your personal
information?
You are not obliged to give us your personal information.
However, if you choose not to provide the Practice with the personal details
requested, it may limit our ability to provide you with full service.
What about use of personal information for direct marketing?
Australian privacy law limits the use of personal information
for direct marketing of goods and services.
We do not use your personal information for direct marketing.
What should I do if I have a privacy complaint?
If you have a complaint regarding the way your personal
information has been handled by our Practice, please submit a signed and
written statement together with your identification details and send it to our
address.
Dr Dush Shan
Dr Dush Shan
