This practice is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We understand that health information is sensitive and value the trust you place in us to handle it with care and confidentiality.
Our clinic operates primarily by appointment. However, walk-in patients may be accommodated depending on practitioner availability. Urgent cases will be triaged accordingly.
What is Personal Information?
Personal information is any data that can be used to identify you. In a healthcare context, this includes sensitive information such as your medical history, current health status, and treatment plans.
What Information Do We Collect?
The information we collect may include:
Full name, address, date of birth, and contact details
Medicare number or other healthcare identifiers
Medical history, family history, allergies, and medications
Information about previous or current health conditions and treatments
Occupation and other demographic data where relevant
Information provided by other healthcare professionals
Billing and account details
We may also collect non-identifiable data for quality improvement and research purposes (e.g., survey responses).
How Do We Collect Your Information?
We collect personal information:
Directly from you during appointments, phone calls, or online forms
From other healthcare providers, such as specialists or referring doctors
From hospitals, laboratories, diagnostic imaging providers, and pharmacies
In some cases, from family members, carers, or legal guardians
Through Medicare, private health insurers, or government agencies when necessary
What Happens If You Choose Not to Provide Information?
Without certain personal information, we may be unable to:
Provide accurate diagnosis or appropriate care
Process Medicare or health fund claims
Fulfill legal obligations
Contact you for follow-ups or reminders
Why Do We Collect and Use Your Information?
We collect, use, and store your personal information for purposes including:
Delivering high-quality medical care and treatment
Managing clinic operations and appointments
Processing payments and insurance claims
Responding to your inquiries, concerns, or feedback
Meeting legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements
Participating in medical audits, quality assurance, and research (with consent)
Reminding you of upcoming appointments or follow-up care
Communicating with your other healthcare providers (with your consent)
Disclosure of Personal Information
We will only share your information for the purposes outlined above, and with:
Healthcare providers involved in your care
Government agencies (e.g., Medicare, Department of Health) as required
Medical defence organisations, insurers, or auditors
Third parties for accreditation or administrative purposes
Legal authorities if required by law
We do not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients unless necessary and only with your explicit consent, unless legally required.
Exceptions to obtaining consent include:
Where it’s required or authorised by law
If there’s a serious threat to life, health, or safety
For locating a missing person
As part of a legal or dispute resolution process
Direct Marketing
We do not use your personal information for direct marketing unless:
You have provided consent, or
You would reasonably expect us to use your data for that purpose
You can opt out of receiving any marketing communication at any time.
Access and Correction of Your Information
You have the right to access your health records and request corrections if the information is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete. Requests should be made in writing and we will respond within a reasonable time.
We may charge a fee for providing access depending on the nature of the request.
How We Keep Your Information Secure
We are committed to safeguarding your data using appropriate physical, electronic, and administrative measures. Your records are stored securely in both digital and paper formats.
When your information is no longer needed, we ensure it is safely destroyed or permanently de-identified.
Concerns or Complaints
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding your privacy or how we handle your information, please contact our Practice Manager:
Drayton medical centre
Phone: 07 4630 1588
Email: Info@draytonmedical.com.au
All concerns will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the:
Office of the Health Ombudsman
Phone: 133 OHO (133 646)
Email: complaints@oho.qld.gov.au
Website: www.oho.qld.gov.au