Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Fairfield Medical Centre ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, contact details, Medicare number, and healthcare identifiers
• Health Information: Medical history, current medications, test results, diagnoses, and treatment plans
• Billing Information: Payment details and insurance information
• Communication Records: Correspondence, appointment records, and consent forms

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for:

• Providing medical diagnosis, treatment, and care
• Managing your appointments and medical records
• Billing and administrative purposes
• Communication regarding your healthcare
• Quality improvement and clinical audits
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Healthcare Providers: Specialists, pathology services, and allied health professionals involved in your care
• Medicare and Health Funds: For billing and claims processing
• My Health Record: If you have consented to participate
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect public health

We will only share your information with your consent, unless otherwise permitted or required by law.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our security measures include secure storage systems, password protection, encryption, and staff training on privacy obligations.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your medical records (subject to certain exceptions)
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request restrictions on the use or disclosure of your information
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

7. Data Retention

We retain your medical records in accordance with legal requirements and professional guidelines. Adult medical records are generally retained for 7 years from the last contact, while pediatric records are kept until the patient turns 25 years of age.

8. Website and Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. We do not collect sensitive personal or health information through our website without your explicit consent.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website with the date of last update clearly indicated.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

For privacy complaints, you may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: