Privacy Policy
At Belconnen General Practice, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal and health information responsibly and securely. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information, and how you may access or correct it.
We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Your Consent
By registering as a patient of our practice, you consent to our doctors, nurses and administrative staff collecting and using your personal information to provide healthcare services.
We only access information necessary to perform our duties. If we need to use your information for purposes unrelated to your care, we will obtain your consent unless otherwise required or authorised by law.
Why We Collect Your Personal Information
We collect and use your personal information to:
- Provide safe and effective medical care
- Maintain accurate medical records
- Coordinate care with other healthcare providers
- Process Medicare and health fund claims
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
- Manage practice administration, accreditation and quality improvement
What Information We Collect
Personal Details
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Phone number and email address
- Emergency contact details
Health Information
- Medical history
- Current medications and allergies
- Immunisation records
- Family and social history
- Test results and specialist reports
- Clinical notes and treatment plans
Administrative Information
- Medicare number
- Healthcare identifiers
- Health fund details
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs details (if applicable)
Anonymous or Pseudonymous Care
Where possible and lawful, you may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym. However, in most healthcare situations it is not practical to provide safe medical services without identification.
How We Collect Your Information
We collect personal information in several ways, including:
- When you complete a patient registration form
- During consultations and treatment
- Through phone calls, emails or SMS communication
- Via online appointment bookings
- Through secure electronic health systems such as My Health Record (where applicable)
We may also receive information from third parties, including:
- Specialists and allied health professionals
- Hospitals and diagnostic services
- Your guardian or authorised representative
- Government agencies such as Medicare (where required)
Disclosure of Personal Information
Your personal information may be shared:
- With healthcare providers involved in your treatment
- With pathology and diagnostic imaging services
- With Medicare or health funds for billing purposes
- With IT service providers under strict confidentiality agreements
- When required or authorised by law
- To prevent a serious threat to health or safety
We will not disclose your personal information overseas without your consent unless permitted by law.
We do not use your personal information for marketing without your express consent.
Data Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
Your information may be stored as:
- Secure electronic medical records
- Paper records
- Diagnostic images
- Clinical correspondence
Our systems are protected by secure software, password controls and regular data backup procedures.
Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to request access to your medical records and request corrections if the information is inaccurate or incomplete.
Requests must be made in writing. Administrative fees may apply. We aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Privacy Complaints
If you have concerns about how your information has been handled, please submit your complaint in writing to our Practice Manager.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website Privacy
Our website may collect limited technical information such as cookies and website usage data to improve user experience. Information submitted through contact forms is handled confidentially.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those external websites.
Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or practice procedures. The latest version will always be available on our website.