Patient Information Privacy Statement

Please read this statement carefully

This privacy statement outlines Brisbane Cardiology’s responsibilities regarding the collection, use and disclosure of patient private information.

Personal information collection

The following outlines the type of information Brisbane Cardiology collects and how it is collected:

1. Brisbane Cardiology only collects personal information for purposes directly related to its function, including:

   1. Registering a new patient;

   2. Billing and Medicare lodgement;

   3. Establishing a patient history;

   4. Delivering appropriate medical care to a patient;

   5. Reporting necessary information to specialists, general practioners, or other necessary third parties responsible for, or involved in, the care of the patient.

2. Personal information Brisbane Cardiology may collect includes patient name, date of birth, gender, marital status, contact details, Medicare, DVA or concession card details, private health care details, next of kin and any relevant medical history.

3. Medical information collected by Brisbane Cardiology includes details of allergies, medication, previous pathology, radiology or other relevant tests performed at the request of Brisbane Cardiology or another treating facility, any relevant medical or family history.

4. Brisbane Cardiology collects personal information from patients verbally, in person or over the phone, by email, by fax, from referral documents and from previous hospital admissions.

Using personal information

The following outlines Brisbane Cardiology’s use and disclosure of patient information:

1. Brisbane Cardiology holds personal information in a secure electronic database. Brisbane Cardiology may also obtain physical copies of documents for a brief period before upload to the secure electronic database. All physical copies are sensitively destroyed. Documents containing personal information collected by Brisbane Cardiology may include, but are not limited to; referral letters, patient registration forms, discharge summaries and previous test results.

2. Personal details including but not limited to, patient name, date of birth, gender, marital status, contact details, Medicare, DVA or concession card details, private health care details, next of kin and relevant medical history including details of allergies, medication, pathology, radiology or other relevant medical information are stored permanently and securely in an electronic database.

3. Brisbane Cardiology only holds and uses personal information supplied by patients for purposes directly related to the management and care of patients.

4. Brisbane Cardiology may disclose personal information including but not limited to, patient name, date of birth, gender, marital status, contact number, Medicare, DVA or concession card, private health care, next of kin and relevant medical history including allergies, medication, pathology, radiology and other tests where applicable to the following third parties:

   1. Referring physicians, as specified by the patient in the form of a referral letter, email or verbal admission;<

   2. Other physicians responsible for or involved in the care of the patient, in the event they consult with more than one physician and request their information is shared, Details of your medical condition will not be passed on without prior consent or knowledge;

   3. Receiving physician in the event that you are referred to another specialist by our of our cardiologists within or outside the field of cardiology. You will be advised and consent will be sought prior to a referral being made;

   4. Human Services (Medicare/Centrelink), DVA, or private health companies for claiming or verification purposes;

   5. Other third parties involved in or providing health related or administrative services for the patient.

5. Brisbane Cardiology does not usually disclose personal information to overseas recipients and will only do so in accordance with patient request and advice.

Updating personal information

The following outlines Brisbane Cardiology’s guidelines to accessing, verifying and correcting personal information:

1. Individuals will be asked to verify the personal details held on file at each presentation to Brisbane Cardiology.

2. Patients may contact Brisbane Cardiology by phone, email or by attending the practice if they wish to verify or change their personal details.

3. If patients wish to access their medical records, a request must be made by phone to 3392 4136, by fax to 3391 5821, by email to reception@brisbanecardiology.net.au or by post to 17/250 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102.

4. If physicians wish to access patient information not specifically addressed to them, a request must be made in writing by email to reception@brisbanecardiology.net.au or by post to 17/250 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102.

Updating personal information

The following outlines Brisbane Cardiology’s complaints and breach of privacy policy:

1. Individuals may submit a general complaint via fax to 3391 5821, email to reception@brisbanecardiology.net.au, by attending the office, or sending a letter to 17/250 Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102.

2. If individuals believe their privacy has been breached, they are requested to send a written complaint via email or post addressed to the Manager.

Important

• I have read the information above and understand the reasons why my information must be collected.

• I am also aware that this practice has a privacy policy on handling patient information.

• I understand that I am not obliged to provide any information requested but failure to do so might compromise the quality of health and treatment provided to me.

• I am aware of my right to access the information collected about me, except in circumstances where access might legitimately be withheld.

• I understand I will be given an explanation in these circumstances.

• I understand that if my information is to be used for any other purpose other than that set out above, my further consent will be obtained.

• I consent to the handling of my information by this practice for the purpose set out above, subject to any limitations on access or disclosure that I notify this practice of.

• I understand that my personal information may go offshore, if I select email as a preferred mode of contact.