Privacy Policy

Introduction

Hawkins Medical Clinic is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients information and personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices for collecting, using, storing and disclosing personal information in accordance with Australian Privacy laws.

Purpose

To ensure patients who receive care from the practice are comfortable in entrusting their health information to the practice. This policy provides information to patients as to how their personal information is collected and used within the practice and the circumstances in which we may disclose it to third parties.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees and patients of Hawkins Medical Clinic.

Collection of Personal Information

We collect and store personal information as required for the provision of healthcare services. This information may include, but is not limited to:

Patient names, contact details, and identification information.
Medical history, including current and past condition, medications and treatment plans
Billing and payment information.
Emergency contact information.

We collect personal information through various means, including:

Directly from patients during appointments, via forms, and through electronic health records.
From healthcare providers, specialists or other medical professionals involved in a patient’s care
From third parties with patient consent, such as health insurers

Use of Personal Information

We use personal information for the following purposes

Providing Healthcare services and treatment to patients.
Administering billing, Medicare claims and payments
Managing patient appointments and records.
Communicating with patients regarding their healthcare and clinic-related matters.
Complying with legal and regulatory obligations.

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information in the following instances

For medical defence purposes;
As required by law in instances of mandatory reporting of communicable diseases;
Where 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 impracticable to obtain patient’s consent
To assist in locating a missing person
For the purpose the patient was advised during consult with the treating Doctor;
As required during the normal operation of services provided. i.e. for referral to a medical specialist or other health service provider;
For the purpose of a confidential dispute resolution process
Some disclosure may occur to third parties engaged by or for the practice for the Practice for business purposes such as accreditation or for the provision of information technology. These third parties are required to comply with this policy.

Security of Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure or alteration. This includes secure electronic storage, restricted physical access, and staff training.

Access to Patient Information and Correction

The following will apply with regard to accessing personal and private medical information by an individual:

An individual has the right to request access their own personal information and request a copy or part of the whole record;
Individuals have the right to obtain their personal information in accordance with the Federal Privacy Act from 20 December 2001 onwards. Requests must be made in writing and an acknowledgement letter will be sent to the patient within 14 days confirming the request. Time spent and photocopying costs when processing a request can be passed on to the requesting patient. Information can be expected to be provided within 30 days.
Requests for information prior to 20 December 2001 will be considered by the practice
Whilst the individual is not required to give a reason for obtaining the information, a patient may be asked to clarify the scope of the request;
In some instances the request to obtain information may be denied, in these instances the patient will be advised;
The material over which a Doctor has copyright might be subject to conditions that prevent or restrict further copying or publication without the Doctors permission;
The practice will take reasonable steps to correct personal information where it is satisfied they are not accurate or up to date. From time to time the practice will ask patients to verify the personal information held by the practice is correct and up to date.
Patients may also request the Practice corrects or updates their information and patients should must such requests in writing.
Upon request by the patient, the information held by this clinic will be made available to another health provider.

Parents/Guardians and Children

To protect the rights of a child’s privacy, access to a child’s medical information may at times be restricted for parents and guardians. Release of information may be referred back to the treating Doctor where there professional judgement and the law will be applied.

Complaints

The management of Hawkins Medical Clinic understands the importance of confidentiality and discretion with the way we manage and maintain the personal information of our patients. The Practice takes complaints and concerns about the privacy of patient’s personal information seriously. Patients should express any privacy concerns in writing. The Practice will then attempt to resolve all complaints in accordance with its complaint resolution process.

Patients of Hawkins Medical Clinic are able to contact the clinic anonymously via letter, however anonymous complaints are unable to be thoroughly investigated, or resolved.

All employees of Hawkins Medical Clinic are required to observe the obligations of confidentiality in the course of their employment and are required to sign Confidentiality Agreements.

In the instance where you are dissatisfied with the level of service provided within the clinic we encourage you to discuss any concerns relating to the privacy of your information with the Practice Manager or your Doctor.

If the complaint has not been resolved to your level of satisfaction all complaints should be directed to:

The Federal Privacy Commissioner
Level 8 Piccadilly Tower
133 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Privacy Hotline: 1300 363 992

Privacy Officer

For inquiries, concerns or requests related to privacy matters, please contact our
Practice Manager
30 Sturt Street Mt Gambier SA 5290
Ph: (08) 87 255 266
Fax: (08) 87 231 297
[javascript protected email address]