Privacy Policy for Collecting Personal Healthcare Information
Effective Date: 10/01/2021
Updated: 11/01/2024
Perth Osteoporosis Clinic is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal healthcare information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal information of our patients and clients in compliance with applicable privacy laws, such as Ahpra which is our national organisation and we choose to act consistently with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles found in that Act. and other relevant regulations.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal healthcare information:
- Personal Identification Information: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address, and emergency contact information.
- Medical Information: Medical history, diagnosis, treatment plans, test results, prescriptions, and other health-related details.
- Insurance and Payment Information: Health insurance details, billing information, and payment records.
- Communication Information: Messages, appointment schedules, and preferences for receiving communication from us.
- Any other information necessary to provide healthcare services.
2. How We Use Your Information
Your personal healthcare information may be used for the following purposes:
- To provide medical treatment and services.
- To communicate with you regarding your care, appointments, and treatment plans.
- To bill and process payments for healthcare services.
- To coordinate care with other healthcare providers or organisations involved in your treatment.
- To comply with legal obligations or respond to court orders, subpoenas, or regulatory requests.
- For internal administration, auditing, and quality control purposes.
- To conduct healthcare research, with your consent when required.
3. Sharing and Disclosure of Your Information
We do not share, sell, or disclose your personal healthcare information without your explicit consent, except in the following circumstances:
- Healthcare Providers: We may share your information with other healthcare professionals and providers involved in your care.
- Insurance Companies: We may share information with insurance providers for billing and claims purposes.
- Third-Party Service Providers: We may engage trusted third parties to perform services such as IT support, medical transcription, and billing. These third parties are bound by confidentiality agreements and are only permitted to use the information for the specified purposes.
- Legal Obligations: We may disclose your information when required by law, for example, in response to a legal proceeding or to prevent harm.
4. How We Protect Your Information
We take appropriate security measures to protect your personal healthcare information from unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration. These measures include:
- Secure electronic systems and data encryption.
- Password-protected systems with limited access to authorized personnel.
- Regular audits of our security practices.
- Staff training on privacy and confidentiality.
5. Your Rights Regarding Your Information
You have the following rights regarding the personal healthcare information we collect:
- Access: You may request a copy of your personal healthcare information.
- Correction: You may request that we correct or update any inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Restriction: You may request restrictions on how we use or share your information, subject to legal requirements.
- Transfer: You may request that your personal healthcare information be transferred to another healthcare provider.
- Consent Withdrawal: You may withdraw consent to the collection, use, or disclosure of your information at any time, provided there are no legal or contractual obligations that prevent us from doing so.
6. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on our website, and you will be notified through email or other appropriate channels if the changes are significant.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your privacy or this policy, please contact us at:
Perth Osteoporosis Clinic
perthosteoporosis@gmail.com
By providing us with your personal healthcare information, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this privacy policy.
