PRIVACY POLICY

Privacy Policy Statement

 

Your Privacy is Important to Us

At Sippy Downs Family Medical, we are committed to protecting the privacy of your personal and health information. We follow the Privacy Act 1988 and comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) to ensure that your information is collected, stored, used, and shared responsibly.

 

1. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal and health information that is necessary for your care and treatment. This includes:

• Your name, date of birth, address, and contact details

• Medical history, medications, allergies, test results, and treatments

• Medicare or health fund details

• Emergency contact or next-of-kin information

This information is collected directly from you unless it is impractical or unreasonable to do so (e.g. from a referring doctor or carer with your consent).

 

2. Use and Disclosure

Your information is used primarily to provide you with medical care. It may also be used for:

• Communication with other treating healthcare professionals

• Referrals and test bookings

• Billing and Medicare claims

• Practice audits, quality improvement, and accreditation

• Patient recall and reminder systems

• Legal or insurance purposes, where applicable

We do not share your information with third parties without your consent, unless required or authorised by law.

 

3. Data Storage and Security

We store your information securely in our electronic medical record system and protect it from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Staff and contractors are bound by confidentiality agreements and privacy obligations.

Documents containing patient information that are no longer needed are destroyed or securely shredded.

 

4. Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access your personal health information

• Request a copy or transfer of your records

• Ask for corrections if you believe your information is inaccurate or incomplete

Requests can be made in writing. We may need to verify your identity and provide the information within a reasonable timeframe.

 

5. Complaints

If you have concerns about your privacy or the way your information has been handled, we encourage you to speak to our Practice Manager. All complaints are taken seriously and will be handled promptly and fairly.

If you're not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or call 1300 363 992.

 

 
Sippy Downs Family Medical Last Reviewed: August 2025

Contact: sippydownsfamilymedical@gmail.com 📞 5476 5999

​

Questionnaires

From time to time this practice invites patients to complete questionnaires on their views of the practice and how it could be improved. These surveys are completely confidential and help us to improve our services.