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This policy explains how we manage your personal information and your records in our practice. We also have a written privacy policy describing how we manage personal information. You can receive a copy of our policy free of charge upon request.
In your personal information we collect name, date of birth, address/es, contact details, Medicare number, healthcare identifiers and health fund details. Medical information may include medical history and any care you may need. GPs need Your past and present health information to provide you with high-quality care.
For the management of health information in general practice, our practice follows the guidelines of the RACGP’s Handbook 3rd edition (the Handbook). The Handbook incorporates federal and state privacy legislation, and the Australian Privacy Principles, which requires that your personal information is kept private and secure.
GPs’ respect your right to decide how your personal information is used or shared. This includes sharing your health information with the doctors. Without your consent, your personal information identifies you will not be shared with others, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Gaining your consent is the guiding principle used by this practice in using and sharing your information.
Your personal health information will not be shared by our practice with anyone else or another organization unless:
You have consented to this sharing, To disclose the information, they are legally obliged, in which case your GP will first discuss with you the information that she or he is legally obliged to disclose,
The information is necessary for you to obtain Medicare payments or other health insurance rebates,
In the release of the information, there is an overriding public health and safety interest.
In all the mentioned cases, only necessary information will be provided to meet the requirements. Your health information will not ordinarily be sent overseas unless:
You are informed and provide consent for this to occur, and the overseas country receiving the information has privacy laws that are very similar to the Australian Privacy Principles.
This practice may use patient health information to assist in improving the quality of care we give to all our patients, by reviewing the treatments used in the practice.
Your information held by the practice may be used in research projects to improve healthcare in the community; however, your identification information will not be included.
The information used for research, including the publication of research results, will not be in a form that would allow you to be identified, unless the research serves an important public interest. In such cases, under guidelines issued by the Australian Government, identifiable medical records can be used for medical research without your consent. Before providing such identified information, your GP will discuss with you the information that she or he is obliged to disclose.
It is normal to have access to your medical records by GPs, in this practice. Discuss with your GP or practice staff if you have any concern about this. It is important that other people involved in your care, such as medical specialists and other healthcare professionals, are informed of the relevant parts of your medical history, so they can provide the best care for you. Your GP will let you know when this is necessary.
If you have any concerns regarding the privacy of your personal health information or the accuracy of the information held by the practice, you should discuss these with practice staff.
Inaccurate information can be corrected, or your concerns noted in your record. For legal reasons, the original notes will be retained.
You can ask practice staff about anything of your healthcare, including information contained in your record. You can also get access to your medical records and any other information about the practice records about you.
Your GP will consider it, if you request access to your medical records, if there may be a risk of physical or mental harm to you or any other person that may result from disclosure of your health information. Your GP may need to remove any information that will affect the privacy of other individuals.
Sharing information between you and practice staff is important for good communication. Our GP can provide a full explanation of the health summary or medical record you are provided access to. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of providing the information, depending on what is involved.
To all personal health information recorded in paper and electronic records Australian privacy legislation applies. To protect against unauthorized access, all records must be kept secure. This practice complies with these requirements to protect your information.
If you have questions or a complaint about the privacy of your personal information, please ask to speak to the practice manager.
PH – 07 3519 4666
Email – indooroopilly@healthcaredoctors.com.au
This pamphlet template is intended for use as a guide only and may not be relevant to particlar practices or circumstances.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners used best endeavors to adapt the template to general practices current and anticipated privacy requirements.
When implementing any such recommendations or procedures, always use your own judgment and skills; the use of this template does not of itself guarantee compliance with privacy laws, nor discharge any owned duty. We suggest you seek appropriate advice.
Accordingly, the RACGP is not responsible to users for any reliance on this template or any information it contains, and users waive any such claim against RACGP.
