Privacy Policy

Our practices are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all patients’ personal health information.  Your medical record is a confidential document. It is the policy of our practices to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure this information is only available to authorised members of staff.

Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns relating to their personal health information with their doctor.  If you feel  issues cannot be resolved with your Doctor, the Federal Privacy Commissioner handles complaints:  Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, Level 3, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000  Telephone:  1300 363 992, www.oaic.gov.au

Medical Record Access

When a patient requests access to their medical record this will be dealt with in accordance with current privacy legislation (Commonwealth –Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 from 21.12.01 or State—Health Records Act 2002 from 1.7.02).  Your Doctor may explain the contents of the medical record to the patient on in the case of a minor the parent/carer or a copy of the requested information may be provided to them. Requests for medical files to be transferred to another Doctor outside our surgeries, must first be requested in writing by the new GP with the signed authorisation from the patient before any copy is forwarded. These are professional services and fees may apply.

Transferring Medical Records

The practice acknowledges the right of patients to transfer their care to another doctor or practice. A computerised medical summary of the patient’s medical records can be sent to the new treating doctor upon receipt of a signed authority from the patient and doctor. The original records are never released, and a copy of the requesting letter is kept on file in the patient record. An administration fee will apply for those patients wishing to transfer a copy of their complete medical history.

The practice recognises the right of patients to seek a further opinion and will provide a referral where appropriate.

If a new patient to this clinic requests their medical records from their previous doctor, a pro-forma request form is available for the patient and new doctor to complete.

Recalls

Reminder letters are generated through our computerised system. Please inform your Doctor if you do not wish your name to be placed on the system for recalls.

Repeat prescriptions & Results

To comply with Health Department regulations, we do not issue repeat prescriptions without consultation or give pathology results over the phone.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the care you receive from this practice, we want to know. We believe that problems are best dealt with in the practice. If you feel unable to talk to us directly, you may contact the Health Services Commissioner, 10th floor, 55 Swanston St. Melbourne, Tel: (03) 9655 5200, Freecall: 1800 136066, Fax: (03) 9655 5219 OR Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission - www.hreoc.gov.au

Our Website Policy and Disclaimer

This website is NOT connected to our medical software, as such your medical records cannot be accessed via this site, and no data such as contact information and associated communications can be shared with any third party whatsoever.

Please refer to the privacy policies of other websites linked through here as they may have a different policy.

This website and article is not a substitute for independent professional advice. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information or material in this website. All information is subject to change without notice. We and each party providing material displayed on this website disclaim liability to all persons or organisations in relation to any action(s) taken on the basis of currency or accuracy of the information or material or any loss or damage suffered in connection with that information or material. You should make your own enquiries before acting upon any of the information or material on this website. Please ensure you contact us to discuss your particular circumstances and how the information provided applies to your situation.