Privacy Policy

Gilgamesh Medical Centre Privacy Policy

Gilgamesh Medical Centre Privacy Policy
Current as of: 12/06/2019

Introduction

This privacy policy is intended to provide information to you, our patient, about how your personal information, including your health information, is collected and used within our practice. It also outlines the circumstances in which we may share your information with third parties.

Why and When Your Consent is Necessary?

When you register as a patient of our practice, you provide consent for our GPs and practice staff to access and use your personal information to provide you with the best possible healthcare. Only staff who need access to your information will be authorized to do so. If we need to use your information for any other purposes, we will seek additional consent from you.

Why Do We Collect, Use, Hold, and Share Your Personal Information?

Our practice collects your personal information to provide healthcare services to you. The main purpose of collecting, using, holding, and sharing your personal information is to manage your health. We also use it for directly related business activities, such as financial claims and payments, practice audits, accreditation, and staff training.

What Personal Information Do We Collect?

The information we collect about you includes:

• Names, date of birth, addresses, and contact details.
• Medical information, including medical history, medications, allergies, adverse events, immunizations, social history, family history, and risk factors.
• Medicare number (where available) for identification and claiming purposes.
• Healthcare identifiers.
• Health fund details.

Dealing With Us Anonymously

You have the right to deal with us anonymously or under a pseudonym, unless it is impracticable for us to do so or unless we are required or authorized by law to only deal with identified individuals.

How Do We Collect Your Personal Information?

Our practice may collect your personal information in several ways:

• When you make your first appointment, our practice staff will collect your personal and demographic information via your registration form.
• During the course of providing medical services, we may collect further personal information.
• We may also collect your personal information when you visit our website, send us an email or SMS, telephone us, make an online appointment, or communicate with us using social media.
• In some circumstances, personal information may be collected from other sources, such as your guardian or responsible person, other healthcare providers, your health fund, Medicare, or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

When, Why, and With Whom Do We Share Your Personal Information?

We sometimes share your personal information:

• With third parties who work with our practice for business purposes, such as accreditation agencies or information technology providers. These third parties are required to comply with APPs and this policy.
• With other healthcare providers.
• When it is required or authorized by law (e.g., court subpoenas).
• When it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to a patient’s life, health, safety, 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 processes.
• When there is a statutory requirement to share certain personal information (e.g., some diseases require mandatory notification).
• During the course of providing medical services through eTP, My Health Record (e.g., via Shared Health Summary, Event Summary).

How Do We Store and Protect Your Personal Information?

Your personal information may be stored in various forms, including electronic records, paper records, visual records (X-rays, CT scans, videos, and photos), and audio recordings. Our practice stores all personal information securely.

How Can You Access and Correct Your Personal Information at Our Practice?

You have the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. To request access or correction, please put your request in writing to the practice. Our practice will respond within 7 days, and any associated fees will need to be paid.

How Can You Lodge a Privacy-Related Complaint, and How Will the Complaint Be Handled at Our Practice?

If you have any privacy concerns or complaints, please express them in writing to Email: info@gilgameshmedicalcentre.com.au PH: 02 9726 7551. Our practice will take your concerns seriously and attempt to resolve them in accordance with our resolution.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) www.oaic.gov.au or call the OAIC on 1300 363 992. You may also contact relevant state or territory health authorities/ombudsman, if they also have jurisdiction.

Policy Review Statement

This privacy policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains applicable to current practice procedures and legal requirements. Any updates to this policy will be communicated to patients through our website and hard copy available at the practice upon request.

Contact details for privacy related issues.

Sarah Waheed (practice nurse)
PH: 02 9726 7551
Email: admin@gilgameshmedicalcentre.com.au
Postal: E1+E2 8-36 Station street, Fairfield 2165 NSW