Your privacy is very important to Northern Sydney Men’s Health Physiotherapy.  As part of your treatment, we may collect certain information from you.  This privacy policy details how that information might be used and what your rights are regarding any information we collect.  We are committed to complying with the Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Privacy Principles 2014 and the privacy provisions of all applicable legislation.

This privacy policy covers all personal information we hold, information, or an opinion about an individual, whose identity is apparent, or can be reasonably ascertained, from that information or opinion.  This policy deals with the collection, use and disclosure of personal and health information as well as access and correction, data security and consent. This includes information we have collected during an appointment, over the phone and over the internet

Collection of Information

When we collect personal information from an individual, we will ensure that we do so in a fair manner and that we let the individual know where and how to contact our clinic.  We will only collect information that is necessary for one or more of our functions or activities.

We will advise individuals of the purpose for which their personal information is collected.

If we collect sensitive information (as defined under the Act), we will treat it with the utmost security and confidentiality.  We will ensure that it is not collected for any purposes, other than those for which we have obtained the individual’s consent, unless the law requires otherwise, or other exceptional circumstances prevail as described under the Act.

Where an individual chooses not to provide requested information, we will advise that individual of what consequences this non-disclosure may have. For example, withholding certain information may limit our ability to provide relevant offers or services to individuals

Disclosing Information

We will only disclose personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.

This means that personal information may be disclosed:

• For the purposes for which we have advised that we are collecting it, and for related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect
• Where we have the consent of the individual to do so
• As required by law
• Under other circumstances where permitted under the Act.

In the course of our business activities, we may need to disclose some of your personal information to relevant staff.

Transfer of information to another Health Service Provider.

From time to time, we may correspond with another Health Service Provider, Case Worker, Insurance Company or if under a Study, the Study Facilitator about your condition.   This is only done with your consent. 

Unauthorised disclosure or access

Our practice is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, we will view unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal information by our employees or contractors, as a serious breach of this policy.  Appropriate action (which may include disciplinary or legal action) will be taken in such cases.

Opt-out

Northern Sydney Men’s Health Physiotherapy will under no circumstances sell, trade or rent any personal information that you supply to it to any third party.  We will always provide individuals with a way of contacting us to register a request to “opt-out” from receiving any group marketing.

Access to personal information

Individuals will be able to access their personal information upon request. However, our practice may occasionally need to deny access to information in accordance with the exemptions contained in the Act.

Security

Our goal is to protect the personal information collected by our practice. Personal information will be managed confidentially and securely and destroyed appropriately when no longer required.  We will monitor and implement appropriate technical advances or management processes, to safeguard personal information.

Data quality

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the data we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up to date, and has been obtained directly from individuals or other reputable sources.

Privacy inquiries

Privacy related inquiries or concerns can be directed to our practice.

Availability and review of policy

We will make our privacy policy available upon request and will provide a link to this policy

from our website.  This policy will be reviewed from time to time and any amendments will be incorporated into the updated policy.