Privacy Policy

IV HEALTH SUNSHINE COAST PRIVACY POLICY

At IV Health Sunshine Coast, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and relevant Queensland health legislation.

1. Collection of Personal and Health Information

We collect personal and health information to provide you with high-quality healthcare services. This information may include:

• Personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email.
• Medical history, current health conditions, medications, and treatment plans.
• Billing and payment information, and may include Medicare or private health insurance details.

We collect this information directly from you through forms, consultations, or referrals from other healthcare providers. In some cases, we may collect information from third parties, such as specialists or diagnostic services, with your consent.

2. Use and Disclosure of Health Information

Your health information is used to:

• Provide medical treatment and care.
• Communicate with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
• Process billing and insurance claims.
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

We may disclose your information to:

• Other healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners, specialists, pathologists, or radiologists, as required for your treatment.
• Medicare or private health insurers for billing purposes.
• Regulatory bodies, such as AHPRA or Queensland Health, if required by law.

We will not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent. If your information needs to be shared with overseas recipients, we will ensure it is protected in accordance with Australian privacy laws.

3. Storage and Security of Medical Records

We take the security of your information seriously. Your medical records are stored securely using:

• Encrypted electronic systems.
• Password-protected databases.
• Locked filing cabinets for physical records.

We implement strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access your information.

4. Retention and Disposal of Medical Records

We retain medical records in compliance with Queensland laws:

• For adults: Records are kept for 7 years from the date of the last entry.
• For minors: Records are kept until the patient turns 25 years old.

When records are no longer required, they are securely destroyed or de-identified to protect your privacy.

5. Access to Medical Records

You have the right to access your medical records. To request access, please contact us at the details below. A fee may apply for providing copies of your records. In certain circumstances, access may be restricted, such as if it poses a serious threat to your health or safety.

6. Complaints About Privacy Breaches

If you believe your privacy has been breached, you can lodge a complaint by contacting us directly. We take all complaints seriously and will respond promptly. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact:

• The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.
• The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) in Queensland at www.oho.qld.gov.au.

7. Compliance with Healthcare-Specific Laws

IV Health Sunshine Coast complies with all relevant healthcare laws, including:

• The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
• The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
• The Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (Qld).
• Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA)
• AHPRA

8. Consent for Collection and Use

We will obtain your explicit consent before collecting or using your health information, except where permitted by law, such as in emergencies.

9. Telehealth and Digital Services

If you use our telehealth or digital services, your health information will be collected, stored, and transmitted securely using encrypted systems to protect your privacy.

10. De-Identified Data

We may use de-identified health information for research or quality improvement purposes. De-identified data cannot be linked back to you and is used to improve our services.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to make a request or complaint, please contact us in writing:

IV Health Sunshine Coast

Email: info@ivhealthsunshinecoast.com.au

Address: Shop 3/8 Fairfax St, Sippy Downs, Qld 4556