Anaesthesia Analgesia PRACTICE Privacy CODE 

Your Privacy is Respected

This practice policy outlines how the practice uses and manages your health information. The information will be used by our Doctors and Office Staff to provide you with health care.  
We are bound by the: Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 and the Victorian Information Privacy Principles.

The Anaesthetists in our practice follow the Medical Board of Australia Code of Conduct Privacy guidelines. The practice will review and update its Privacy Policy on a regular basis.

 

Collection

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.

 

Use and Disclosure

The practice only uses health information for the purposes of providing you with health care or for purposes directly related to providing you with health care.
We will not use your health information for any other purpose unless one of the following applies:  
i        You have consented.              
ii       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 e.g. to other health care providers.  
iii      The use of your health information is required or authorised by law.

 

Data Quality and Security 

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 keeps hard-copy and electronic records and takes steps to protect those records against loss, unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure, or other misuse.  
The practice ensures that hard-copy records are kept in locked files and there are security processes in place regarding computer access. The practice has taken steps to ensure that electronic data is backed-up.  
After a period of 7 years we may destroy your records in accordance with applicable laws.

 

Access and Correction

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 Privacy Officer. If you have any questions, the Practice Manager can be contacted during business hours at the practice (03) 9329 2311.
The practice may charge for access to or copies of health records.

Sending information overseas 

As part of its electronic records system, the practice may rely on cloud storage providers located outside Australia. The practice will ensure that any offshore transfer complies with its obligations under Australian privacy laws. Where practicable, we will inform you about where your information is sent.

 

What happens if I don’t provide 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.

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 Privacy Officer. 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. If you would rather not raise the matter with the practice you can complain directly to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.  www.oaic.gov.au   
Phone 1300 363 992

 

NOTICE FOR PATIENT INFORMATION

Our practice, Anaesthesia Analgesia collects information about you for the purpose of providing health services to you. Information will be used for the purpose of addressing accounts to you, as well as processing payments and contacting you about our services and any issues affecting your health care.

We may collect information about you from third parties providing the collection of that information is necessary to provide you with health care.

We may disclose your health information to other health care professionals, or collect it from them if, in our judgement, it is necessary in the context of your care.

We may also use parts of your health information for research purposes, in study groups or at seminars; however, in such situations, your personal identity will not be disclosed without your consent. Medical history, and other material relevant to your care, may be stored by the Anaesthetist concerned, in accordance with the guidelines above. 

The practice privacy policy sets out how you can access your records or seek correction of your records. The practice privacy policy sets out how you may complain about a breach of privacy and how the practice will deal with such a complaint.