Privacy Policy

1. Purpose

 

This policy outlines how Tetstall Medical Services, Dr Emma Tetstall, associated practitioners and related entities (henceforth Tetstall MS) collects, uses, stores, and discloses patient information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We are committed to protecting patient privacy and ensuring the security of personal health information.
 

2. Collection of Personal Information

 

We collect personal information necessary for providing healthcare services. This includes, but is not limited to:

•    Name, date of birth, address, and contact details
•    Medicare number and private health insurance details
•    Medical history, current health conditions, and treatment plans
•    Prescriptions, referrals, and diagnostic test results
•    Emergency contact and next of kin details

We collect this information directly from patients or their authorised representatives. In some cases, we may obtain information from other healthcare providers with patient consent.

3. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

 

Personal information is used to:

•    Provide medical treatment and healthcare services
•    Communicate with patients about their care
•    Arrange specialist referrals, pathology, or imaging services
•    Process payments, Medicare claims, and private health insurance claims
•    Meet legal and regulatory requirements
•    Conduct practice audits and quality improvement initiatives

 

We will not disclose personal information to third parties without patient consent unless required by law, such as in cases of public health and safety, mandatory reporting, or court orders.

 

4. Storage and Security of Information

 

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure. This includes:

•    Secure electronic medical records with password protection and encryption
•    Physical security measures for paper records
•    Access control policies to limit data access to authorised personnel
•    Regular staff training on privacy and confidentiality

 

Personal information is retained in accordance with legal obligations and securely destroyed when no longer required.

 

5. Patient Rights and Access to Information

 

Patients have the right to:

•    Access their personal health information, subject to certain legal exceptions
•    Request corrections to their records if they believe information is inaccurate or incomplete
•    Withdraw consent for information sharing, where legally permissible
•    Make a complaint if they believe their privacy has been breached

 

Requests for access or correction can be made in writing to the Practice Manager.

 

6. Complaints and Further Information

 

If patients have concerns about how their personal information is handled, they can contact the Practice Manager. Complaints will be addressed in a timely and confidential manner.
If patients are not satisfied with the response, they may escalate their complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) via www.oaic.gov.au.

7. Policy Updates

 

This policy is reviewed regularly and may be updated to reflect legislative changes or improvements in privacy practices. The latest version is available at our practice and on our website.

Contact Details: 

Tetstall Medical Services
399 Crown St Wollongong NSW 2500
admin@dremmatetstall.com
www.dremmatetstall.com
02 4271 5400