Health information privacy

Green Square Dermatology collects, holds, uses and discloses health information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).

Health information is collected where reasonably necessary to provide, coordinate and administer health services and related functions.

Patients may be asked to provide personal details, medical history and other health information relevant to their care.

This may include information about:

• current and previous medical conditions;

• medications and allergies;

• referrals and correspondence from other health practitioners;

• pathology, imaging and other investigation results;

• previous treatment and procedures; and

• other information reasonably required for assessment, diagnosis, treatment or ongoing management.

Patients are not required to provide information that is requested of them. However, incomplete or inaccurate information may affect the dermatologist’s ability to assess a condition, provide appropriate advice or recommend suitable treatment.

Patient health information may be used or disclosed where reasonably necessary for purposes associated with the provision and administration of health services, including:

• clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management;

• communication with referring practitioners and other health professionals involved in the patient’s care;

• referrals, investigations and pathology;

• appointment, billing, Medicare and other administrative functions;

• quality assurance and clinical governance; and

• compliance with legal, regulatory and professional obligations.

Information may also be used or disclosed where authorised by the patient or otherwise permitted or required by law.

Health information may be de-identified for appropriate purposes such as education, training, research and quality assurance.

De-identification involves removing direct identifiers and taking reasonable steps to remove or alter other information that could reasonably identify the patient.

Where information remains reasonably capable of identifying an individual, it will continue to be treated as personal or health information.

Patients may request access to health information held about them and may request correction where information is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, irrelevant or misleading.

Access may be limited or refused in circumstances permitted by law. Where access is refused, the patient will be advised of the reason where required.

Reasonable fees may apply to the processing of a medical record access request or the provision of copies.

Clinical photographs may be taken where reasonably necessary for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or documentation of a patient's condition.

Patients should speak with their dermatologist if they have questions or concerns about clinical photography.

The use of identifiable clinical photographs for purposes unrelated to the patient's care will be subject to any additional consent or other requirements that apply.

Further information about the collection and handling of personal and health information, access and correction requests, privacy complaints and overseas disclosures is contained in Green Square Dermatology's General privacy statement.

Green Square Dermatology may review and amend this policy from time to time. The current version is available through the Green Square Dermatology website.