Privacy policy
Purpose and commitment
At Clinic 55, protecting your personal information and maintaining your privacy is fundamental to our practice. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store and protect your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and state legislation governing healthcare privacy.
We maintain rigorous standards in managing your personal information and regularly review our practices to ensure compliance with current privacy laws and healthcare regulations.
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect regulatory changes or practice updates. Any modifications take effect immediately upon website publication, and continued use of our services indicates acceptance of these changes.
Purpose and commitment
A consultation fee of $25 is required upon booking to secure your appointment time. This fee is:
- Redeemable against treatment costs
- Non-refundable if treatment is not proceeded with
Collection of personal information
Who we collect information from
We may collect personal information from patients, healthcare professionals, employees, contractors, suppliers and others with whom we interact in our normal business operations. While providing personal information is optional, please note that limited or inaccurate information may affect the services we can provide to you.
How we collect your information
We primarily collect your personal information directly from you through consultations, email, telephone, written correspondence or our website. When it’s not reasonable or practical to collect information directly from you, or in emergency medical situations, we may need to collect information from third parties, including:
- Other healthcare providers, including doctors, hospitals and clinics involved in your care (your healthcare provider will generally explain why they need this information)
- Your nominated representatives (such as family members or carers)
- My Health Record, if you participate in this program
- Health insurers and relevant government departments
What personal information we collect
The type of information we collect depends on who you are and our relationship with you. We only collect information that is necessary:
- To provide medical services (including coordinating care with other healthcare providers)
- For standard business operations
- For administrative purposes related to your care
This information may include:
- Name, age, gender, date of birth and contact details
- Medical history relevant to your care (including medications, treatments, family history, and correspondence with healthcare providers)
- Government and insurance details (such as Medicare or health insurance information) for billing
- Clinical images and records
- Treatment history
- Payment information
- Employment details (for staff members)
- Other relevant information such as ethnicity or religion when needed for your care
Anonymity
You may choose to deal with us anonymously or use a pseudonym, unless:
- It’s impractical for us to do so
- We’re required by law to identify you
- It would prevent us from providing appropriate medical car
Use of personal information
How we use your information
We will not use or disclose your personal information for any purpose other than the main purpose it was collected for (or a directly related purpose). Exceptions to this are if you have consented to another use, or if we are permitted/required by law, which may include:
- Coordinating care with your healthcare providers
- Arranging additional healthcare services
- Conducting quality assurance and improvement activities
- Managing insurance and billing requirements
- Sending standard appointment reminders
- Handling complaints or legal matters
- Providing advice about relevant services or treatments
- Meeting regulatory requirements
Use of information for direct marketing
We may use your personal information for marketing that is directly related to our medical services, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Spam Act 2003 (Cth). You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time.
Disclosure to third parties
To provide our medical services, we may share your personal information with trusted third parties, including:
- Healthcare providers and specialists involved in your care or referrals
- Required regulatory bodies and registries
- Professional service providers under strict privacy agreements
All external contractors and service providers must comply with privacy legislation and our privacy standards through formal agreements.
When using electronic systems for sharing your information (such as booking systems, referrals or prescriptions), we only share information that is necessary for your care.
My Health record
If you participate in My Health Record, we may access or upload health information as part of your care. You can control access to your My Health Record through the system’s privacy settings.
Website privacy
Our website collects anonymous usage statistics through cookies to help manage and improve our online services. We only collect personal information you explicitly provide.
While our website may contain links to other sites, we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Protection of your information
Accuracy
We maintain accurate and current records. Please help us by providing up-to-date information and informing us of any changes to your details.
Security measures
Your privacy is protected through:
- Access controls and security systems
- Network protection and encryption
- Regular security reviews
- Secure storage and disposal methods
- Staff privacy training
Information retention
We keep your information for as long as required for your care and by law. When no longer needed, information is securely destroyed or de-identified.
Security breaches
If unauthorised access to your information occurs and poses a serious risk, we will notify you promptly and advise on appropriate actions.
Access to your information
Requesting access
You have the right to access your personal information that we hold. We will provide this unless restricted by law, such as when access might:
- Pose a serious health risk
- Impact others’ privacy
- Breach legal obligations
To request your information:
- Contact our practise manager
- Verify your identity
- Allow reasonable time for processing
- Note that a reasonable fee may apply for administrative costs
For test results and detailed medical information, we recommend reviewing these with your treating practitioner to ensure proper understanding within your healthcare context.
Correcting your information
If you believe your information is inaccurate or outdated, you may request amendments. We will:
- Review your request promptly
- Update records where appropriate
- Provide reasons if changes are declined
- Include your requested amendments with your records if we disagree with changes
Privacy concerns
If you have questions about our privacy practises or wish to raise concerns about your personal information:
Please contact our clinic manager who will review your enquiry and respond appropriately.
For general information about privacy in Australia, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
Contact us
Clinic 55
Shop 29, The Mezz
148 The Boulevard
Scarborough Beach Road
Mount Hawthorn WA 6016
Ready to visit Clinic 55?
Our Mount Hawthorn clinic provides a professional medical environment designed for your comfort and privacy. Book a consultation with our doctors to discuss your treatment options and create a personalised care plan.