Privacy policy.
Merrindale Medical Centre Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 25/02/2023
Introduction
This privacy policy explains how Merrindale Medical Centre and its affiliated cosmetic services collect, use, and protect your personal information (including health information) and describes the circumstances under which we may share this information with third parties. We are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles and maintaining the confidentiality of your information.
Why and When Your Consent is Necessary
When you register as a patient with Merrindale Medical Centre, you provide consent for our GPs, healthcare professionals, and practice staff to access and use your personal information so we can deliver the best possible care. Only staff who require access to your information will be authorised to view it. Should we need to use your information for any other purpose, we will seek additional consent from you.
Why We Collect, Use, Hold, and Share Your Personal Information
Our primary purpose in collecting, using, holding, and sharing your information is to provide you with comprehensive healthcare services. This information also supports related business activities, such as:
Financial claims and payments.
Practice audits and accreditation.
Staff training and development.
Quality assurance and improvement processes.
Types of Personal Information Collected
The personal information we collect includes:
Identifying Details: Name, date of birth, address, contact information.
Medical Information: Medical history, medications, allergies, adverse events, immunisations, social history, family medical history, and any relevant risk factors.
Medicare and Insurance Information: Medicare number (if available) for identification and claiming purposes, healthcare identifiers, and health fund details.
Anonymity and Pseudonymity
You have the right to interact with us anonymously or under a pseudonym, where practicable. However, due to the nature of healthcare services, identification is typically required to provide safe and effective care.
How We Collect Your Personal Information
We collect your personal information through various methods, including:
Patient Registration: Information is collected when you register as a patient.
Medical Consultations: Information may be collected during consultations or treatment sessions.
Online Interactions: We may collect information when you visit our website, email, call, text, or communicate via social media.
Third-Party Sources: Information may also be obtained from third parties, such as your guardian, healthcare providers, hospitals, Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and other health services when relevant and necessary.
Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
We may use or disclose your personal information:
For the primary purpose of healthcare provision, including consultations, treatments, and follow-ups.
With other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as specialists, allied health professionals, or pathology services.
For purposes directly related to your care, such as referrals or Medicare claims.
When required by law (e.g., in response to a court subpoena or mandatory disease reporting).
To reduce or prevent a serious threat to an individual's life, health, or safety, or to public health and safety.
We may also use your information for quality assurance, staff training, and improving services. If we use or share your information for research or analysis purposes, this data will be de-identified, meaning it will not contain information that could identify you.
Overseas Disclosure
Merrindale Medical Centre will not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients without your consent unless required by law or allowed by the Privacy Act. We take steps to ensure that any third-party service providers with access to your data comply with relevant privacy and data security regulations.
Direct Marketing
We will not use your personal information to market our goods or services directly to you without your express consent. If you consent, you may opt out of direct marketing communications at any time by notifying us in writing.
Data Storage and Security
Merrindale Medical Centre takes data security seriously. Your information may be stored in both paper and electronic formats:
Paper Records: Stored securely in restricted areas within our clinic.
Electronic Records: Protected by password access and encryption. Regular backups are performed both on-site and off-site.
We employ reasonable security measures, including Confidentiality Agreements for staff, to protect your data from unauthorised access, misuse, or loss.
Access to and Correction of Personal Information
You have the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. To do so, please submit your request in writing to the practice manager, specifying the information you wish to access. Our team will respond within 30 days of receiving your request, unless you indicate urgency.
We will take reasonable steps to ensure that your information is accurate and up-to-date. You are encouraged to inform us of any changes to your personal details. Requests to update or correct information can also be submitted in writing to admin@merrindalemedicalcentre.com.au.
Lodging a Privacy-Related Complaint
We take privacy complaints seriously and aim to resolve them promptly. If you have concerns about how we handle your information, please contact us in writing:
Email: admin@merrindalemedicalcentre.com.au
Mailing Address:
Merrindale Medical and Cosmetic Centre
516 Dorset Road
Croydon South, VIC 3103
Australia
Please address all correspondence to the practice manager. We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint and strive to respond within 30 days.
Website Privacy
Our website may contain links to other sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these linked sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies. We do not automatically collect personal email addresses from website visits.
If you provide personal information on our website, it will be securely stored, and we will not share it with third parties without your permission. We may track non-identifying, aggregate data (e.g., number of website visits) to improve our website’s functionality. Any shared data will be de-identified and used solely for analytical purposes.
Changes to the Privacy Policy
Merrindale Medical Centre reserves the right to update this privacy policy. Any changes will be posted on our website, ensuring you are informed about how we collect, use, and protect your information.