Legal

Privacy Policy

Burnside Family Practice protects personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles and other applicable laws and professional standards. This policy explains how we manage your information and how you may access it, correct it or make a complaint.

Information we collect

We collect information needed to provide healthcare and operate the practice. This may include your identity and contact details, Medicare and healthcare identifiers, medical history, test results, medications, family and social history, billing information, appointment information and communications with the practice.

We usually collect information from you. Where necessary, we may also receive it from a parent, guardian or authorised representative; another healthcare provider; pathology or imaging services; a hospital; Medicare; My Health Record; or another person involved in your care. In an emergency, information may be collected from relatives or others where permitted.

How we use and disclose information

We use and disclose information primarily to provide, coordinate and manage your healthcare. This may include communication with treating clinicians, pathology and imaging providers, hospitals, pharmacies, Medicare, My Health Record and other services involved in your care.

Information may also be used or disclosed for practice administration, billing, quality improvement, accreditation, mandatory reporting, public-health requirements, legal obligations, or where you have consented. We only provide information for research where permitted by law and any required consent or ethics processes have been met. De-identified information may be used where it can no longer reasonably identify you.

Service providers and online services

We may use contracted providers for appointment booking, clinical records, secure messaging, reminders, payments, IT support, website hosting and other practice functions. Providers are required to handle information securely and only for authorised purposes.

Online bookings are provided through HotDoc and are also subject to HotDoc’s privacy terms. Please review the privacy information presented when booking.

Keeping information secure

We take reasonable physical, technical and administrative steps to protect information from loss, misuse, interference and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Access is limited to authorised people who require it for their role. No electronic system or transmission can be guaranteed completely secure.

We retain and securely dispose of health records in accordance with applicable legal, professional and accreditation requirements.

Access and correction

You may request access to, or correction of, your health information by contacting the practice in writing. We may need to verify your identity. We will respond within a reasonable period and will advise you in advance of any reasonable administrative fee.

Access may be limited where the law permits or requires. If we refuse access or correction, we will provide reasons and available complaint options where required.

Data breaches

We assess suspected privacy and data breaches promptly. Where the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme applies, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner as required.

Anonymity, marketing and overseas disclosure

You may ask to deal with us anonymously or using a pseudonym where lawful and practicable, although this is often not practical or safe when providing healthcare. We will not use your health information for direct marketing without appropriate consent. We will only disclose personal information overseas where permitted by law and appropriate safeguards are in place.

Privacy questions or complaints

Contact the Practice Manager or Privacy Officer at reception@burnsidefp.com.au or write to Burnside Family Practice, 412 Portrush Road, Linden Park SA 5065. We will acknowledge and investigate your concern in accordance with our complaints process.

If you are not satisfied, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). A complaint about a health service may also be made to the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner in South Australia.

More information: OAIC health-information guidance.

Your health is our priority

Whether you need a routine check-up, ongoing care or advice about your health, our friendly team is here to help you and your family.