Privacy Policy

Introduction

Reliance Care Medical Centre is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988, the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012, and applicable health privacy legislation in Victoria.

This Privacy Policy outlines how personal information is collected, used, disclosed, and safeguarded in the provision of medical and allied health services.

Collection of Personal Information

Information Collected

Personal information is collected as necessary for the provision of medical services, including:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, address, contact information)
• Medicare number and healthcare identifiers
• Medical history and current health conditions
• Consultation notes and treatment records
• Test results and diagnostic information
• Billing and payment information

Methods of Collection

Information is collected through:

• Direct consultation with healthcare providers
• Registration and intake forms
• Medical records from other healthcare providers
• Diagnostic tests and pathology results
• Communication with patients and their representatives

Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Primary Uses

Personal information is used for:

• Providing medical care and treatment
• Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
• Billing Medicare and private health insurers
• Quality improvement and clinical audits
• Meeting legal and regulatory obligations

Disclosure to Third Parties

Personal information may be disclosed to:

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Pathology and diagnostic imaging services
• Medicare and private health insurers for billing
• AHPRA and regulatory bodies when required
• Legal authorities as required by law

Confidentiality and Data Security

We maintain strict confidentiality and security measures including:

• Secure storage of physical and electronic records
• Access controls limiting information to authorized staff
• Encrypted digital systems for storing and transmitting data
• Regular staff training on privacy obligations
• Secure destruction of records when no longer required

Your Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request a copy of your medical records
• Lodge a complaint about privacy concerns
• Request information about how your data is used

Please contact our reception team to exercise these rights.