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Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Inglis Medical Centre is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store and protect your personal information in accordance with:

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
  • Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and the Health Privacy Principles (HPPs)
  • Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme
  • RACGP Standards for General Practices (5th edition)

 

This policy applies to all personal and health information collected by Inglis Medical Centre in any form (written, electronic, verbal, visual or digital).

1. Information We Collect

Personal information is information or an opinion that identifies you or could reasonably identify you. Health information is considered sensitive information under privacy law.

 

The types of information we collect may include:

  • Your name, date of birth, gender and contact details (address, phone, email)
  • Medicare number, DVA number and private health insurance details
  • Medical history, notes, diagnoses, medications, allergies and test results
  • Referral letters and specialist reports
  • Appointment details and billing information
  • Emergency contact and next-of-kin details

 

We only collect information that is necessary to provide healthcare services or operate our practice.

2. How We Use and Share Information

Your information is used to:

  • Provide medical care and manage your health
  • Communicate with you and other healthcare providers involved in your care
  • Manage practice administration, billing and accreditation
  • Meet legal and regulatory requirements

Information is only shared without consent where required or authorised by law, or to prevent a serious threat to life, health or safety.

3. Storage and Security

We store information securely using electronic and physical safeguards. Records are retained and disposed of in accordance with legal requirements.

Inglis Medical Centre stores and manages personal information within Australia.

Some electronic systems or service providers (such as secure cloud-based practice software) may store data overseas. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure that overseas recipients comply with privacy protections equivalent to Australian standards or we obtain your consent where required.

4. Access and Correction

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal or health information
  • Request correction of information you believe is inaccurate, incomplete or outdated

 

Requests should be made in writing. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and may charge a small administrative fee where permitted by law.

5. Data Breaches

A data breach occurs when personal information is accessed, disclosed or lost in an unauthorised way.

 

Inglis Medical complies with the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme. If a data breach is likely to result in serious harm to you, we will:

  • Take immediate steps to contain the breach
  • Assess the risks
  • Notify affected individuals as soon as practicable
  • Notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) where required

 

We maintain procedures to prevent, detect and manage data breaches.

5. Complaints

If you have a concern about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us directly so we can try to resolve the issue promptly.

If you are not satisfied, you may lodge a complaint with:

  • Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – www.oaic.gov.au
  • Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) – www.hcc.vic.gov.au

6. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be reviewed and updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, standards or our practices. The most current version will be available at our practice or on our website.