Privacy Policy
Osteoflow is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligation to you in respect of how we manage your personal and health information. We have adopted the Australian Privacy Principles (APP’s) contained the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The NPP’s govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information. A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles can be obtained from the websie of The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at https://www.oaic.gov.au/.
The provision of safe and quality osteopathic care is our primary concern. This requires a strong relationship between the osteopath and patient, based on confidentiality and trust. Your osteopath regards your health information as confidential.
What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?
Personal information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual, Examples of Personal Information we collect include names, addresses, email addresses, phone and facsimile numbers. This Personal Information is obtained in many ways including by telephone, facsimile, email, correspondence, via our website www.osteoflow.com.au and from third parties. We don’t guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties. We collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of providing healthcare services to you. With your consent, we may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. When we collect Personal Information we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it.
It is a government requirement that osteopaths must keep clinical records contained your medical and family health history. This information is generally collected from you, or otherwise with your consent. This is information is required to provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Sensitive Information
Sensitive Information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political associated, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information. Sensitive information will be used by us only:
For the primary purpose that is was obtained
For a secondary purpose that is directyly related to the primary purpose
With your consent; or where required or authorised by law.
Third Parties
Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect only your Personal Information from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties e.g. imaging reports and referrals from other medical practitioners.. In such case, we will taken reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to use by the third party. Some information may need to be provided to third-parties for billing purposes, such as Medicare, private health insurers, MAIB, DVA and workers compensation insurers. There are circumstances where a health practitioner is legally required to disclose information including subpoenas or other mandatory reporting requirements. Generally, workers compensation and traffic accident schemes requires patients treated under those shcemes to agree to their health information being shared with the scheme and it’s insurers.
Disclosure of Personal Information
Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:
Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
Where required or authorised by law.
Security of Personal Information
Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. When your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information. However, most of the Personal Information is or will be stored in patient files which will be kept by us for a minimum of 7 years. We will inform you if we intend to tranfer your clinical records to another osteopath or clinic, or if we sell or close this clinic.
Access to your Personal Information
You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, at any time. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing. Osteoflow will not charge any fee for your access request, but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy fo your Personal Information. In order to protect your Personal Information we may require identification from your before releasing the requested information.
Parents/Guardians and Children
Privacy laws also apply to children. Under the Privacy Guidelines, a child’s right to privacy of their health information may at times restrict access by a parent/guardian.
Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information
It is important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-tp-date. If you find that the information we have is not up-to-date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you.
Policy Updates
This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website.
Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries
If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
15 Penquite Road, Newstead TAS 7250
0434 547 324
You can also contact the Australian Information Commissioner at 1300 363 992 or access furhter information via https://oaic.gov.au.