1.1 RESPECTING YOUR PRIVACY AND THE LAW
The privacy of your personal information has always been important to us. We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your right to privacy. Leumeah Dental Surgery is bound by the National Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) and any relevant Health Privacy Principles under State legislation, as well as other applicable laws and codes affecting your personal information. Within our practice our staff are trained to respect your privacy in accordance with our standards, policies and procedures. Our privacy policies are reviewed on a regular basis.
1.2 ABOUT OUR PRIVACY POLICY
This Privacy Policy outlines how our practice will manage your personal information. It also describes generally the sorts of personal information held and for what purposes, and how that information is collected, held, used and disclosed. Our Privacy Policy applies to all your dealings with us. We encourage you to check our website regularly for any updates to our Privacy Policy.
1.3 COLLECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Our dental practice usually collects information directly from our patients, carers or guardians. This may happen when you fill out an administrative form (eg medical history form) or when you give us personal information over the telephone or counter, or through our website.
The information collected may include your name, postal and email address, contact number, date of birth, health fund membership, Medicare card details, health information or other information our practice considers necessary.
In certain cases, we collect your personal information from third parties. For example, we may collect information about your health and treatment from other health care professionals such as specialists or general medical practitioners.
1.4 USING AND DISCLOSING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
At our dental practice, We will NEVER share, sell or rent your personal information with anyone. We only use your information for other purposes if:
- You have consented
- You would reasonably expect your information to be used for that purpose; or
- Your information is required or authorised by law
1.5 RECALLS OR PATIENT INFORMATION SOURCES
We may use your personal information to let you know about, and develop, products and services from the dental practice that might better serve your needs. For example, we usually send out “patient reminder notices”. You can contact us at any time if you no longer wish us to do so (see “Contacting Us” below).
1.6 KEEPING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE
We aim to make sure that the personal information we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up-to-date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure this is the case. This way we can provide you with better healthcare.
It is important that you notify the dental practice about any changes to your medical or health information. Health information would include medications and natural alternatives. If you do not provide us with this information the consequence may include (but not be limited to) :
- we may not be able to provide best care;
- you may suffer harm or other adverse outcomes.
If you believe your personal information is not accurate, complete or up to date, please contact us (see “Contacting Us” below).
1.7 Protecting your personal information
At our practice we may store information in different ways, including in paper and electronic form. The security of your personal information is important to us and we take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse and loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Some of the ways we do this are:
- confidentiality requirements for our employees;
- document storage security policies;
- security measures for systems access;
- offering a discreet environment for confidential discussions within dental clinics;
- only allowing transfer of personal information where the individual seeking access has given written consent;
2. PRIVACY COLLECTION NOTICE
“Your personal information is being collected by our dental practice.
Collection of your personal information
Your personal and health information is collected when you make an appointment, complete medical and personal information forms at the practice or when the dental practitioners or other staff receive information from you during an appointment (or similar). Your health information may be collected from third parties such as specialists, carers, or medical practitioners if appropriate for your dental care.
Why does our dental practice collect your personal information?
Our dental practice collects your personal and health information, including medical history so we can provide you with dental health care. We collect the information on a ‘need basis’ means we collect information only what is required to assess your medical condition and provide appropriate treatment plan(s).
What would happen if the practice did not collect your personal information?
If our practice did not collect your personal information, we may not be able to provide relevant care, or the care may not be appropriate for your needs. If you do not wish to supply information, please let us know so we can discuss alternatives or give more guidance.
Who will the dental practice disclose your personal information to?
Your personal information will be disclosed but not limited to:
- Other health professionals or specialists
- Health insurance companies if you have a relationship with them
- Government bodies if legally required Access to and correction of your personal information.
The dental practices privacy policy contains information about how you may access and seek correction of personal information about you that is held by the practice.
Privacy complaints
The dental practice’s privacy policy contains information about how you may complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with complaints. Ask us where you can freely access our privacy policy.
Overseas disclosure of your personal information
We have no intention to disclose your personal health information to any overseas recipients.
