Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
This policy explains how we collect, use, store and share your personal information.
What Information We Collect
To provide psychiatric care, we may collect information including:
- your name, date of birth and contact details;
- Medicare, health fund and payment information;
- referral letters and information from your GP or other healthcare providers;
- your medical and mental health history, medications and treatment records;
- information you provide when making appointments or contacting our practice.
Some of this information is considered sensitive health information and is protected under Australian privacy law.
Why We Collect Your Information
We collect your information so we can:
- provide psychiatric assessment and treatment;
- communicate with you about appointments and your care;
- prepare reports and communicate with your referring doctor and other healthcare providers involved in your treatment;
- process Medicare claims and payments;
- meet our legal and professional obligations;
- manage and improve our practice.
Who We May Share Your Information With
Your personal information may be shared with:
- your referring GP or other healthcare providers involved in your care;
- hospitals, pathology or imaging providers where required;
- Medicare, your health fund or payment providers;
- trusted service providers who help us manage our practice, such as secure IT and medical record systems;
- government authorities where required by law.
We will not share your information with others without your consent unless required or authorised by law.
Keeping Your Information Secure
We consider the confidentiality of your personal and health information to be of the utmost importance. Protecting your privacy is a fundamental part of providing your care.
Your records are stored securely, either electronically or in paper form, and are only accessible to authorised staff.
Medical records are retained for the period required by law.
Privacy Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact our practice. We will investigate your concerns and respond as soon as possible.
Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in privacy laws, professional standards or the way our practice manages personal information.