Privacy Policy : Patient Information
In accordance with the new Privacy Act that came into effect on 21st December 2001, The Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic and its members, in compliance with the National Privacy Principles, have developed a ‘Privacy Policy’ to protect the collection, storage and use of patient personal information.
Collection
It is necessary for the surgeons of the Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic to collect personal information from patients and sometimes others associated with their orthopaedic condition to correctly assess and treat the problem. This includes patient details, Medicare and health fund details and information obtained from a clinical history, examination, investigations and surgical procedures.
Use of information collected
Your email address will only be used for the purpose for which you have provided it and it will not be added to a mailing list or used for any other prupose without your consent. We may however, use your email address to contact you to obtain your consent for other pruposes, but will give you the option of having your address deleted from our records at that time.
Personal health information
In the interests of your privacy and given the inherent insecurity of information passed over the Internet, we do not currently support the transmission of personal health information to or from our patients over the Internet. If you send any personal health information to us via the Internet, we cannot guarantee its security.
Use and Disclosure
Personal information is used or disclosed for purposes directly related to our patient’s health care and in ways that are consistent with their expectations. In the interests of the highest quality and continuity of health care services, this may include sharing information with other health care providers who comprise a patient’s or relevant health care team from time to time..
Access and Correction
Patients may request access to their personal information held by the surgeons of the Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic.
Where necessary, they will be given the opportunity to amend any personal information held that is incorrect.
There are some circumstances in which access is restricted and, in these cases, reasons for denying access will be explained.
We request that patients wanting access to their medical records apply in writing and be able to provide proof of identity.
A charge will be payable to cover administration and photocopying costs in providing access.
The surgeons of the Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic acknowledge the right of children to privacy of their health information. Based on the professional judgement of the treating doctor and consistent with the law, it might at times be necessary to restrict access to personal health information by parents or guardians.
Upon your request, your health information held by the surgeons of the Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic will be made available to another health service provider.
Complaints
Any complaints that a patient may have in regards to the handling of personal information by the Clinic should be in writing and directed to:
The Privacy Officer
Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic
L2 270 Wakefield Street
Adelaide SA 5000
How to contact us
If you have any questions in relation to your privacy, please contact us on 8236 4100 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: woc@woc.com.au |
