PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY – PRIVACY POLICY

This act applies to patients treated after 21^st December, 2001.

We seek, at all times, to protect the confidentiality of our patients’ information.  We will work cooperatively to meet all appropriate and reasonable requests for access to medical records in accordance with the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000.

Patients should note that some government agencies continue to have legislative rights to access patient information without the need to obtain consent from the doctor or the patient.

This practice will continue to respect and protect the rights of patients to have the information they provide during treatment kept confidential.

We request that patients wanting access to their medical records apply in advance, in writing, stating precisely what information they require and, if requested, be able to provide proof of identity.

Some medical information collected after 21 December 2001 may not be provided until it has been appropriately reviewed by your treating doctor.

For patients requesting access to records and copies of records, administrative charges for time spent and photocopying costs will apply and patients will be notified in advance of an estimate of these costs.

If you have any concerns over the privacy of your information, please talk to our Practice Manager.