Our Privacy Policy

Protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information is a priority at Dockside Medical Hub. We understand that health information is highly sensitive and we are committed to handling your personal data with care, respect, and in accordance with Australian privacy laws and the National Privacy Principles.

Collection of Information

In order to provide appropriate medical care and treatment, we may collect personal and health-related information including:

• Medical history and health information
• Personal contact details
• Billing and account information
• Medicare and private health insurance details

Information is generally collected directly from patients. However, we may also obtain information from other healthcare providers including specialists, hospitals, physiotherapists, psychologists, dentists, and other medical professionals when required for your treatment.

Sensitive Information

Patient consent will generally be obtained before collecting sensitive information unless required for medical diagnosis, treatment, or by law. Sensitive information may include:

• Racial or ethnic background
• Religious beliefs or affiliations
• Political opinions or memberships
• Sexual preferences
• Criminal history information

Use & Disclosure of Information

Information collected by Dockside Medical Hub is used to assess, diagnose, and provide medical treatment and healthcare services. Patient information may be shared with other healthcare providers where necessary to ensure continuity of care.

In some situations, information may need to be disclosed without patient consent, including:

• Emergency medical situations
• Medical indemnity insurance requirements
• Medicare and private health fund billing purposes
• Legal or regulatory obligations

Data Quality

We take reasonable steps to ensure that all patient information maintained by the practice is accurate, complete, relevant, and up to date for the purpose of providing healthcare services.

Data Security

Dockside Medical Hub takes appropriate measures to protect patient information against misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

• All computers are password protected
• Patient management systems require secure login access
• Different access levels are assigned to staff based on responsibilities
• All staff are trained in privacy and security procedures
• Private documents are disposed of securely using locked shredder bins
• Systems are maintained and protected by external IT providers
• Clinic data is securely backed up to the cloud on a regular basis

Openness

Dockside Medical Hub makes its privacy policies and procedures available to patients to ensure transparency regarding the collection, storage, and management of personal information.

Identifiers

Identifiers such as Medicare numbers and Department of Veterans’ Affairs numbers are used only for lawful healthcare and billing purposes in accordance with Australian privacy legislation.

Transborder Data Flows

Patient privacy remains protected under Australian privacy laws. If patient information needs to be transferred interstate or outside Australia, reasonable steps will be taken to ensure the information remains secure and confidential.

Privacy Complaints

If you have concerns regarding your privacy or personal information, please contact Dockside Medical Hub directly. If your concern cannot be resolved satisfactorily, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for further assistance.