Privacy Policy
Revised: Dec 2021
Table of Contents
This practice is bound by the Federal Privacy Act (1988) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Toowoomba Specialists recognises the importance of protecting individuals’ privacy and rights concerning their personal information. This document outlines how we collect and manage your health information.
What is your personal information?
Personal information is data that identifies you or could reasonably identify you. Our privacy policy covers personal information given to the practice.
What personal information do we collect and hold?
The information Toowoomba Specialists collects includes your demographics, family information, employment, past medical and social history, current health issues and medical care, Medicare number, Private fund number, vaccination status, account details and any health information such as medical or personal opinions about a person’s disability or health status.
We may also collect some information that is not considered personal information as it does not identify you or anyone else. For example, we may collect de-identified responses to patient feedback surveys.
How do we collect your personal information?
- Directly from you when you attend our practices
- As disclosed by you during your consultation at our practice
- From third parties such as a referring health professional, employers, law enforcement agencies and other government entities.
What happens if we can't collect your personal information?
If you do not provide us with personal information, it may impair your treatment at the practice.
For what purpose do we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information?
- To provide medical services and treatment
- For administrative and billing purposes
- Update our records and keep your details up to date
- To process and respond to any complaints made
- To comply with any legislation
- For data research and analysis (with your consent)
- For inclusion in a recall or reminder register for prevention of chronic disease
- To report back to your employer (with your permission)
- To answer any queries about the services we provide
- To provide information to third parties with your consent
- To meet the obligations of notification to our medical defence organisations or insurers
Who do we disclose your information?
The practice will not disclose any personal information to any party unless consent has been obtained, except for a mandatory report. e.g. certain diseases.
Direct Marketing
Toowoomba specialists do not use or disclose the information we collect from you for direct marketing purposes.
How can you access and correct your personal information?
Patients are encouraged to update all personal information when required. Practice staff will check these details with you at the time of any appointment.
How can I access my medical records?
Toowoomba Specialists acknowledges patients may request access to their medical records. E.g. if you move to another area or are treated by another specialist. Patients are asked to make this request in writing. Patient records remain the property of the practice.
Security
Toowoomba Specialists takes all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information is protected from loss and misuse. Toowoomba Specialists holds your information in electronic format. When your personal information is no longer needed, it is destroyed or de-identified.
Contacting Us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy, any concerns, a complaint regarding the treatment of your privacy, or a possible breach of your privacy, please contact our Practice Manager – Ms Allana Gill, on 07 4529 8676. Your requests and complaints will be treated confidentially. Our practice representative will contact you within a reasonable time after receiving your complaint to discuss your concerns and options. If you feel the practice cannot resolve your complaint/concern, please get in touch with the Office of the Health Ombudsman on 133646 or email complaints@oho.qld.gov.au.
Please Note: We may review our privacy policy as required. We encourage you to read our policy from time to time to stay updated with the changes.