How we handle your personal health information

Your personal health information

How your record is stored and protected

Our practice operates in strict accordance with national privacy legislation. Your electronic medical record is securely stored and password protected against unauthorised access. Accredited systems including multiple back-ups, monitoring and firewalls are in place to protect your record.

Your medical record is strictly private and confidential and it is a condition of employment that all our staff sign our confidentiality agreement.

Third-party disclosure

Please understand we are unable to discuss or share any medical information with a third party unless we hold written consent to do so, or unless you are the parent or guardian of a child under 16.

Access to your own record

You are able to view and discuss your personal medical record. If you would like to arrange this, please contact our Practice Manager Leanne Bollard or David Rivett our Privacy Officer.

Transferring records

If you require your medical records to be transferred to or from another practice, consent forms are available from our receptionists.

AI-assisted note-taking

Heidi — the AI scribe we use during consultations

We use a program called Heidi which is artificial intelligence. This is a helpful tool that allows your GP to focus totally on you during the visit while still allowing them to accurately capture medical information, ensuring a complete and accurate record of your care.

All data is encrypted, securely and confidentially stored on servers located within Australia to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act. Your data protection is our top priority.

If you would prefer your consultation not be recorded by Heidi, please tell your doctor at the start of the visit and notes will be taken by hand.

Medical students

Your consent for student involvement

Our practice accepts medical students from the Australian National University and the University of Sydney. Students are integrated into the practice and will often be present at consultations.

Your consent is required and our reception staff and your doctor will ask if you agree to the student attending before you meet the student. Please feel comfortable if you wish to decline having a student present — declining will not affect your care.

Concerns & complaints

If you have a privacy concern

Speak with our Practice Manager or Privacy Officer in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.

Practice Manager / Privacy Officer(02) 4472 4626 Email the practice[email protected] NSW Health Care Complaints Commission1800 043 159 Office of the Australian Information Commissioneroaic.gov.au

In short

What this means for you

• Your record is encrypted and stored in Australia. • Staff sign a confidentiality agreement as a condition of employment. • No information is shared without your written consent. • You can view or correct your record at any time. • You can decline a medical student or the AI scribe.

Related pages

For how we handle appointment bookings, scripts, results and feedback see the patient information page. For the practice’s fees and cancellation rules see the billing and service policy.

Questions?

Speak with reception

If you would like a printed copy of the full privacy policy or want to discuss any aspect of how your information is handled, call reception.