Privacy Policy
Privacy protection and confidentiality of health information is essential for quality health care, and Dr. Francis Hall is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information we handle about our patients. This policy explains the types of personal information we collect, how we collect, store, use, and disclose it, as well as how patients can access and protect their personal information.
This policy explains:
- The kinds of personal information we collect and hold;
- How we collect, store, use and disclose your personal information;
- How you may access your personal information.
- How we protect the quality and security of your personal information;
- How you may make a complaint about our handling of your personal information.
By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Collection of information
What kinds of personal information do we collect?
- Personal Details;
(your name, address, date of birth, contact details, billing information, etc.)
- Your health information and other sensitive information;
(Medical history, consultation notes, etc.)
- Results and reports received from other health service providers;
(referral, pathology, radiology, etc.)
How do we collect and hold personal information?
- Wherever practicable, we will collect this information from you personally – either at the Practice, over the phone, via written correspondence or email.
- In some instances, we may need to collect information about you from other sources such as referring doctors, treating specialists, pathology, radiology, hospitals or other health care providers.
- In an emergency, we may collect information from your immediate family, friends or carers.
We aim to ensure the information we hold about you is accurate, complete, up-to-date and relevant. To this end, please confirm that your personal details are correct when you attend a consultation. Please let us know if any of the information we hold about you is incorrect or not up to date.
Use and disclosure
Why do we collect, hold, use, and disclose personal information?
The Practice collects and holds personal information about you so that we may properly assess, diagnose, treat and be proactive in your healthcare needs. Your personal information will only be used or disclosed for purposes directly related to providing you with quality health care, or in ways, you would reasonably expect us to use it in order to provide you with this service.
This includes:
- To the professional team directly involved in your health care, including treating doctors, pathology services, radiology services and other specialists outside this medical practice.
- To the Practice’s administrative staff for billing and other administrative tasks necessary. (Such as your health insurance fund, or other organisations responsible for the financial aspects of your care).
- Where required by law, for example, pursuant to a subpoena.
- To insurers or lawyers for the defence of a medical claim.
- To assist with training and education of other health care professionals.
- For research processes, depersonalised information may be used.
Our practice does not intend to disclose your personal information to overseas recipients unless we have your consent, or we are required to do so by law.
Quality and security of your personal information
Our Practice takes all reasonable steps to protect the security of the personal information we hold by:
- Securing our premises;
- Using passwords on all electronic systems and databases to protect electronic information from unauthorised interference, access, modification or disclosure;
- Storing hard copy records in secure filing cabinets or rooms that are accessible only to Practice staff.
Access to your personal information
Under the law, you have a right to access the personal information we hold about you. We ask that you put your request in writing.
What should I do if I have a privacy complaint?
If you have a complaint regarding the way our Practice has handled your personal information, please put it in writing and address it to our location. We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint and endeavour to provide a full response as soon as is practicable, usually within 30 days of receipt.