Patient Privacy Policy & Collection and Release of Medical Information
At Mastering Movement, we are committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information. This Patient Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and disclose your information in compliance with relevant privacy laws and regulations, such as the Privacy Act 1988.
Policy Details:
Collection of Personal Information:
We collect personal information to provide you with the best possible care, manage our clinic operations, and meet our legal obligations. The information we collect includes, but is not limited to:
Contact details (name, address, phone number, email)
Health information (medical history, treatment plans, diagnoses, results)
Payment and insurance information (including WorkCover, TAC, and health fund information if applicable)
Billing details (including credit card or direct debit information, if provided)
Wherever practicable, we collect this information directly from you. Occasionally, we may collect relevant information from:
Other healthcare providers, specialists, or allied health professionals involved in your care
Radiology or pathology providers
Hospitals or other healthcare facilities
Information may be collected by medical or administrative staff in person, over the phone, in writing, via email, text message, or through secure electronic platforms.
We take reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is accurate, complete, and up to date. Please inform us promptly if your details change.
Use of Personal Information:
Your personal health information is used for purposes directly related to your care and the operation of our clinic, including:
Providing assessment, treatment, and ongoing care
Communicating with you about appointments, reminders, and treatment updates
Coordinating with other members of your healthcare team
For billing and payment processing
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Confidentiality of Patient Information:
We understand the importance of keeping your health information confidential. We take all reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. All patient records are stored securely in Cliniko, and access is restricted to authorised personnel only. All paper files are uploaded to electronic files in a timely manner and paper copies shredded. Electronic health records are password protected and Two factor authentication is used to protect your information from unauthorised access, loss, or theft.
Disclosure of Personal Information:
We treat your information as strictly private and confidential. We will not disclose your personal health information to third parties without your explicit consent, except in the following cases:
For treatment purposes: We may share your information with other healthcare providers involved in your care within Mastering Movement and externally, such as your General Practitioner, treating doctors and specialists, hospitals etc. This may include the exchange of clinical notes, reports, and results via secure email, fax, phone, or hard copy letter.
For payment purposes: We may share information with insurance companies or billing services for payment processing.
As required by law: We may disclose information to government authorities, law enforcement, or as required by legal or regulatory obligations.
Emergency situations: In the event of an emergency where your health or safety or the safety of others is at risk, we may disclose your information to protect you or others.
Patient Rights:
You have the right to:
Access and request copies of your personal health records.
Request corrections or updates to your health information if it is inaccurate or incomplete.
Request restrictions on how your information is used or disclosed (in some cases - subject to legal requirements).
Request a summary of the disclosures made of your health information.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Communication:
If we use electronic health records (EHR) or communicate with you via email, phone, or text, we make every effort to ensure that these communications are secure. However, absolute security of electronic transmissions cannot be guaranteed. Please consider this when sending sensitive information electronically.
Data Retention:
Your personal health information will be retained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, which may vary by jurisdiction. Once the retention period has passed, records will be securely destroyed.
Billing & Financial Responsibility:
You have the right to:
Payment is required at the time of consultation.
You are responsible for any rejected WorkCover, TAC, or health fund claims.
Overdue accounts of more than 90 days may be referred to a collection agency or law firm, and you will be liable for all related costs, including legal or administrative fees.
Changes to This Policy:
We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. Any changes will be communicated to you.
Contact Us:
If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy rights or this policy, please contact us. We are happy to address any inquiries you may have regarding your personal health information.
