Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

1. Overview and Purpose

Osseo Specialist Suites respects your privacy and takes our privacy obligations seriously. We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

When you register as a patient, our new patient registration process seeks your consent to collect, use, hold and share your personal information in order to provide you with appropriate healthcare services and to manage our practice. If we intend to use your personal information for any other purpose, we will seek your consent where required.

This Privacy Policy explains:

  • How we manage your personal information (including health information);

  • The types of information we collect and how it is held;

  • The purposes for which we collect, use and disclose personal information;

  • How you may access or request correction of your information; and

  • How to lodge a privacy complaint.

If you have any questions, concerns or feedback regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact our rooms.

2. Definitions

Personal Information has the meaning given in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). It includes information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.

Health Information is a subset of personal information and includes information about:

  • Your physical or mental health;

  • Health services provided to you;

  • Your expressed wishes about future healthcare; and

  • Any other information collected to provide health services.

Health information is considered “sensitive information” and attracts a higher level of protection under the Privacy Act.

In this policy, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to OSSEO Specialist Suites.

3. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information that is necessary to provide healthcare services and manage our practice. This may include:

  • Name, address and contact details;

  • Date of birth;

  • Medicare and health fund details;

  • Medical history and treatment information;

  • Family and lifestyle history;

  • Referral information and clinical correspondence.

We usually collect information directly from you via:

  • Registration forms;

  • Consultations;

  • Medical records;

  • Correspondence.

In some circumstances, we may collect information from third parties (such as referring doctors, other healthcare providers, health insurers or family members) where:

  • You have consented;

  • It is necessary for your treatment;

  • It is required to manage our practice; or

  • It is legally permitted or required.

You may choose to deal with us anonymously or under a pseudonym where lawful and practicable. However, this may limit our ability to provide healthcare services.

4. Use of Personal Information

We use your personal information primarily to:

  • Provide healthcare services;

  • Communicate with you regarding appointments and care;

  • Liaise with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment;

  • Process Medicare and health fund claims;

  • Manage billing and administrative processes;

  • Conduct quality assurance, audits and accreditation;

  • Train staff and improve services;

  • Undertake research (where appropriate and lawful).

We may also use your information for secondary purposes where:

  • You have consented;

  • It is directly related to your care;

  • It is required or authorised by law;

  • It is necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

5. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

  • Medical practitioners and allied health professionals involved in your care;

  • Employees, contractors and service providers assisting us in operating our practice;

  • Medicare, private health insurers and government agencies;

  • Third parties authorised by you;

  • Courts or regulatory bodies where legally required.

In a medical emergency, we may disclose your health information without prior consent where it is in your interests.

Third-Party Service Providers

We engage trusted service providers to support our operations, including:

Techwell Australia (IT Services Provider)

15/17 Millennium Cct

Helensvale QLD 4212

P: 1300 350 292

These providers are required to maintain confidentiality and appropriate data security measures.

6. Overseas Disclosure

We do not routinely disclose personal information to overseas recipients. If this becomes necessary, we will seek your consent where required.

7. Data Storage, Security and Quality

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Security measures include:

  • Secure premises;

  • Staff privacy training;

  • Access controls and password protections;

  • Firewalls and anti-virus software;

  • Encryption where appropriate;

  • Secure disposal of hard copy records;

  • Annual review of privacy practices.

While we take reasonable precautions, no data transmission over the internet is completely secure. Email and SMS communications are used for convenience, but are not guaranteed secure. You may opt out of these communications at any time.

8. Retention and Destruction

We retain medical records in accordance with applicable health record legislation and professional requirements.

When personal information is no longer required and retention obligations have been satisfied, we will securely destroy or de-identify the information where appropriate.

9. Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request correction if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

Requests should be made by contacting our rooms.

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe. Access may be refused in limited circumstances permitted by law. If so, we will provide written reasons.

We may charge a reasonable fee for providing copies of records.

10. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy, please contact our rooms so we can investigate.

We will acknowledge your complaint within 10 business days and provide a written response following investigation.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
www.oaic.gov.au

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legislative or operational changes. The current version is available upon request from our rooms or on our website.

12. Website Information

Cookies

Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, although some features may not function correctly.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

Non-Identifiable Information

We may collect de-identified or aggregated information about website usage for analytical purposes.

Communications

We may contact you regarding appointments, services or relevant information in accordance with applicable laws, including the Spam Act 2003 (Cth). You may opt out at any time.

We do not sell or provide your personal information to other organisations for marketing purposes.