Our privacy policy

This privacy policy is to provide information to you, the patient, on how your personal information (which includes your health information) is collected and used within by Greystanes Family Doctors on behalf of your independent doctor and the circumstances in which we may share it with third parties.

Why and when your consent is necessary

When you register as a patient with your doctor, you provide consent for your independent GP and health team staff to access and use your personal information so they can provide you with the best possible healthcare. Only staff who need to see your personal information will have access to it. If your information is needed for anything else, you will be contacted to seek additional consent from you to do this.

Why do we collect, use, hold and share your personal information?

Your personal information will need to be collected to provide healthcare services to you.

The main purpose for collecting, using, holding and sharing your personal information is for your doctor to manage your health. It is also used for directly related business activities, such as financial claims and payments, audits and accreditation, and business processes (eg staff training).

What personal information do we collect?

The information collected about you on behalf of your doctor includes your:

• names, date of birth, addresses, contact details

• medical information including medical history, medications, allergies, adverse events, immunisations, social history, family history and risk factors

• Medicare number (where available) for identification and claiming purposes

• healthcare identifiers

How do we collect your personal information?

Your personal information may be collected in several different ways.

1. When you make your first appointment with your doctor, our reception staff will collect your personal and demographic information via your registration either online(Hotdoc registration form) or paper on behalf of your doctor

2. During the course of providing medical services, further personal information may be collected.

3. May also collect your personal information when you visit the website, send us an email or SMS, telephone us, make an online appointment via online booking systems or communicate with us using social media.

4. In some circumstances personal information may also be collected from other sources. Often this is because it is not practical or reasonable to collect it from you directly. This may include information from:

• your guardian or responsible person

• other involved healthcare providers, such as specialists, allied health professionals, hospitals, community health services and pathology and diagnostic imaging services

• your health fund, Medicare, or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (as necessary).

When, why and with whom do we share your personal information?

Your personal information may sometimes be shared with third parties, for business purposes, such as a

Accreditation agencies or information technology providers – these third parties are required to comply with APPs and this policy
With our Primary Health Network for Quality Improvement programs (all information provided is de-identified. you have the option to opt out of your de-identified information being sent by simply letting our staff know
With other healthcare providers
When it is required or authorised by law (eg court subpoenas)
When it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to a patient’s life, health or safety or public health or safety, or it is impractical to obtain the patient’s consent
To assist in locating a missing person
To establish, exercise or defend an equitable claim
For the purpose of confidential dispute resolution process
When there is a statutory requirement to share certain personal information (eg some diseases require mandatory notification)
During the course of providing medical services, through My Health Record (eg via Shared Health Summary, Event Summary).
During online registration process via the online booking systems- hotdoc

Only people who need to access your information will be able to do so. Other than in the course of your doctor providing medical services or as otherwise described in this policy, Your personal information will not be shared with any third party without your consent.

Your personal information will not be shared with anyone outside Australia (unless under exceptional circumstances that are permitted by law) without your consent.

Greystanes Family Doctors and/or your independent doctor will not use your personal information for marketing any of our goods or services directly to you without your express consent. If you do consent, you may opt out of direct marketing at any time by providing notification in writing.

How do we store and protect your personal information?

Your personal information may be stored in the form of an electronic record

All personal information securely, in electronic format, with protected information systems. The use of passwords, computer security systems, backup systems, confidentiality agreements for staff and contractors, and independent doctors.

How can you access and correct your personal information?

You have the right to request access to, and correction of, your personal information.

Greystanes Family Doctors acknowledges patients may request access to their medical records from your consulting doctor. It is required you to put this request in writing via a Health information request form available at reception, this will then be forwarded to your doctor, you will be responded to within a 30 day timeframe. A fee of $30 is associated with this request, this fee covers the costs of complying with the request.

Greystanes Family Doctors will take reasonable steps to correct your personal information where the information is not accurate or up to date. To ensure the most up to date information for your doctor. From time to time, you may be asked to verify that your personal information is correct and current. You may also request that we correct or update your information, and you should make such requests in writing to your doctor

How can you lodge a privacy-related complaint, and how will the complaint be handled?

Complaints and concerns regarding privacy are taken seriously. You should express any privacy concerns you may have in writing or in consultation with your doctor. Every attempt to resolve it in accordance with the resolution procedure will be undertaken. Complaints can be sent to:

Greystanes Family Doctors,

Shop 5/6-10 Kippax Street,

Greystanes, 2145.

All complaints will be addressed within a 30 day timeframe.

You may also contact the OAIC. Generally, the OAIC will require you to give them time to respond before they will investigate. For further information visit www.oaic.gov.au or call the OAIC on 1300 363 992.

Policy review statement

This privacy policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it is in accordance with any changes that may occur. Patients will be notified via a sign in reception of any amendments.