Privacy Policy – Doy Street Medical Centre
At Doy Street Medical Centre, we are committed to protecting your personal and medical information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the guidelines of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Collection of Personal & Medical Information
To provide you with high-quality healthcare, we may collect:
- Personal details: name, date of birth, address, phone number, Medicare number
- Health information: medical history, allergies, medications, test results, and other relevant clinical details
This information is essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
How We Collect Your Information
We may collect information:
- Directly from you during appointments or via forms
- From other health professionals or hospitals involved in your care (with your consent)
- From family members or carers if you are unable to provide the information yourself
- From pathology or diagnostic services
Where possible, we collect information directly from you and with your knowledge, unless it is unreasonable or impractical to do so.
How We Use Your Information
Your information may be used to:
- Provide medical care and treatment
- Communicate with specialists, hospitals, and allied health services
- Send appointment reminders and manage billing
- Update and maintain your My Health Record (if applicable)
- Conduct internal audits and quality assurance to improve our services
We only use your information for purposes directly related to your care or as required by law.
When We Disclose Your Information
We may share your information with:
- Other healthcare providers involved in your treatment
- Third-party service providers such as pathology labs
- Medicare, your private health insurer, or government health programs
We will not share your personal information without your consent unless required or permitted by law (e.g., emergencies, public health concerns, or approved research where obtaining consent is impractical).
How We Protect Your Information
We store your information securely, both physically and electronically, using safeguards to prevent loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.
This includes:
- Secure medical software systems
- Password-protected access and audit logs
- Regular data backups and staff privacy training
We securely destroy or de-identify your records when no longer needed.
Concerns or Complaints
If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact us:
Email: reception@doystreetmedical.com.au
Phone: (03) 9492 4802
We take all privacy matters seriously and will respond promptly.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the OAIC at www.oaic.gov.au.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect legal or operational changes. The latest version will always be available on our website and at reception.
If you would like a printable copy of this policy or further information about your rights under the Privacy Act 1988, please ask our team.
Communication Policy
At Doy Street Medical Centre, we aim to provide clear, respectful, and timely communication with all patients and visitors. This policy outlines how you can contact us, how we communicate with you, and the standards we follow to protect your privacy and safety.
Contacting Us
You can contact our practice during business hours in the following ways:
- Phone: (03) 9492 4802
- Email: reception@doystreetmedical.com.au
- In person: 17 Doy Street, Dallas
Response Times
- Phone calls are answered during business hours. If lines are busy, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
- Emails will be acknowledged within 2 business days.
- Medical results or clinical advice will not be provided via email for safety and privacy reasons. Patients will be contacted directly by the clinic or advised to book an appointment.
Appropriate Use of Communication Channels
- Medical Emergencies: Always call 000.
- Appointments & prescriptions: Please phone the practice directly.
- Sensitive or urgent medical matters: We recommend booking a face-to-face or telehealth appointment.
- General enquiries: May be sent via email.
Patient Privacy
- We will never request personal medical information, Medicare numbers, or payment details via email or text.
- Emails should not include sensitive health information.
- All personal information is handled in line with our Privacy Policy.
After-Hours Care
For medical needs outside of our opening hours, patients may contact:
- 13SICK (National Home Doctor Service): 13 74 25