Privacy Policy

At Curtis Medical, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and share your personal information, including your health details. It also outlines the situations in which we may share your information with others.

Why and When Your Consent is Necessary?
When you register as a patient with us, you give us consent to access and use your personal information so we can provide you with the best possible healthcare. Only the staff who need access to your information to care for you will be able to see it. If we need to use your information for anything beyond your care, we will ask for your permission first.

Why Do We Collect, Use, Hold, and Share Your Personal Information?
We collect and use your personal information to provide the healthcare services you need. This includes:

• Managing your health and medical care.

• Handling related business activities, such as billing, processing payments, and conducting practice audits.

• Meeting accreditation requirements and ensuring staff training.

What Personal Information Do We Collect?
The information we collect includes:

1. Your name, date of birth, contact details, and address.

2. Medical details like your health history, medications, allergies, immunizations, and family history.

3. Your Medicare number (if available) for identification and claims.

4. Healthcare identifiers.

5. Health fund details.

Dealing with Us Anonymously
If you prefer, you can choose to deal with us anonymously or under a pseudonym, unless it’s necessary for us to identify you (for example, for billing or legal reasons).

How Do We Collect Your Personal Information?
We collect your personal information in several ways:

• When you first make an appointment, our staff will gather your details.

• During visits to the practice, we may collect more information as part of your care.

• We might also collect information through our website, email, SMS, phone calls, or online appointment system.

• In some cases, we may obtain information from other healthcare providers (like specialists, hospitals, or pathology services) if it’s difficult or impractical to collect it directly from you.

When, Why, and With Whom Do We Share Your Personal Information?
There are a few situations where we may need to share your personal information:

• With trusted third parties that help us run our practice, such as IT providers or accreditation agencies. They must follow strict privacy laws and this policy.

• With other healthcare providers who are involved in your care.

• When required by law, for example, to comply with court orders.

• In situations where we need to prevent a serious risk to your health, safety, or the public.

• To help locate a missing person or resolve legal disputes.

• If required by law to report certain health conditions (e.g., mandatory disease notifications).

• When providing care through platforms like My Health Record or eTP.

Rest assured, we only share your information with those who need it for your care. Outside of these situations, we will not share your information without your consent.
We do not share your personal information outside of Australia unless allowed by law. Additionally, we will not use your information for marketing purposes unless you specifically agree, and you can opt-out at any time.

How Do We Store and Protect Your Personal Information?
We store your personal information securely, both electronically and in physical formats like paper records (e.g., x-rays or photos). Electronic records are stored in protected systems with passwords, and we ensure staff members sign confidentiality agreements. Physical records are stored securely in our practice.

How Can You Access and Correct Your Personal Information?
You have the right to request access to your personal information and to ask us to correct any errors. If you want to access your medical records, please send a written request to our practice manager, and we will respond within 30 days. We will also ask you periodically to check and update your information to ensure it is accurate. You can always request changes by speaking to reception or sending a written request.

How Can You Lodge a Privacy-Related Complaint, and How Will It Be Handled?
If you have any privacy concerns, please let us know. We take complaints seriously and will work to resolve any issues you raise. You can send your complaint in writing to:

Paul Curtis
18 Gehrke Road
Plainland 4341
Phone: 07 5465 7522
Email: curtismedicalplainland@gmail.com

Our practice manager will handle your complaint, and we aim to resolve it within 30 days.
You also have the option to contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). For more information, visit www.oaic.gov.au or call 1300 363 992.

Policy Review Statement
We regularly review this privacy policy to ensure it remains up to date with any legal changes. If we update the policy, we will inform you by displaying it at our reception and on our website at www.curtismedical.com.au.

Thank you for trusting Curtis Medical with your healthcare. If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your information, don’t hesitate to contact us.