Kingsway Dermatology & Aesthetics – Health Care Privacy Policy
Introduction
KDAA is, as a NSW health provider in the private sector, bound by the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW), the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012, this includes both the Australian Privacy Principles and the NSW Health Privacy Principles. These principles set the standards by which KDAA handles and protects personal information collected from our patients. A copy of both sets of Principles is available for inspection at the reception desk, or on-line (oaic.gov.au).
Collection
As a part of KDAA’s commitment to providing quality health care it is necessary for us to maintain files pertaining to your health. The files contain the following types of information:
- Personal details (your name, address, date of birth, gender, Medicare number, health information, contact details and image);
- Your medical and family history;
- Notes made during the course of medical consultations;
- Referrals to other health service providers;
- Results and reports received from other health service providers.
The information held about you is provided by you or arises as a consequence of information provided by you.
We collect information in various ways, such as over the phone, or in writing, in person at KDAA or over the Internet if you transact with us online. This information may be collected by medical and non-medical staff.
In emergency situations we may also need to collect information from your relatives or friends.
We may be required by law to retain medical records for certain periods of time depending on your age at the time we provide services.
Use and Disclosure
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. It may be necessary for KDAA to access and handle your file from time to time to address the administrative requirements of running a medical practice. KDAA are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment and these requirements will be observed if it is necessary for them to view your records.
At times, to ensure the function of the practice, it may also be necessary to allow external organisations to access the practice and possibly, to view the medical records. Any external organisation that provides service or advice to KDAA will be aware of the need to preserve the requirement of state and federal privacy legislation and will be bound by a confidentiality agreement.
KDAA does not intend to disclose your personal information to overseas recipients, unless it is to do with clinical trials work, and if so, a separate privacy notice will be utilised.
Ordinarily KDAA will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent. However, KDAA could advise that there may be occasions where we will be required, as required by the law, to release the details of your file irrespective of whether your consent to the disclosure of the information is given.
Access
KDAA advises that as a patient of this practice you have rights of access to any information we hold concerning you. Should you wish to access this information KDAA refers you to the Practice Manager.
Data Quality and Security
As part of KDAA’s commitment to preserving the confidentiality of the information contained in your medical record we advise that strict secure storage policies are observed in the practice. All reasonable steps are taken to prevent any unlawful interference with your electronic records, which are accessible only by staff of the practice and are protected by a security password. Your paper records are kept in secure filing cabinets and accessible only by practice staff. Each member of staff is well versed in the principles and importance of doctor–patient confidentiality.
Complaints
Should you, at any time, have a query or complaint in relation to the privacy policies in place with KDAA please contact the Practice Manager who will be happy to address any concerns you may have. KDAA advises that it is our policy that any complaint is required to be made in writing and addressed to the Practice Manager and marked private and confidential. KDAA advises that we will make our best endeavours to address complaints within 30 days of receipt of your complaint.
Should you be unsatisfied with KDAA’s response to your privacy request, you may lodge a written complaint with the NSW Privacy Commissioner or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Contact
If you have any queries, complaints, requests for access to medical records please contact the practice: 02 9525 3265 and ask for the Practice Manager.
Kingsway Dermatology & Aesthetics
April 2020
