Last updated: [21-04-2025]
Crest Medical Centre is committed to protecting your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and all applicable healthcare confidentiality laws.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and store your information, and how you can access your data or make a complaint.
1. What Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
- Personal Information – Name, date of birth, address, phone number, email.
- Health Information – Medical history, medications, allergies, test results, specialist reports, referrals, Medicare number.
- Payment Details – If applicable, we may collect billing and payment information.
- Website Data – IP addresses, browser type, cookies, and pages visited for website analytics and improvement.
2. How We Collect Your Information
We collect personal and health information through:
- Patient registration forms.
- Medical consultations (in-person and via telehealth).
- Referrals and communication from other healthcare providers.
- Online appointment bookings or website enquiries.
- Electronic communication with patients (email, SMS).
3. Why We Collect Your Information
Your information is used for the following purposes:
- To provide safe, accurate, and effective medical care.
- To communicate with you regarding appointments, results, and health advice.
- To liaise with other medical professionals (with your consent).
- For Medicare and billing purposes.
- To improve our services and meet clinical, legal, or regulatory obligations.
4. Disclosure of Information
We may share your personal health information:
- With other treating healthcare providers (e.g., specialists, pathologists) with your consent.
- With Medicare or your health fund when required.
- When legally obligated, such as in emergencies or public health situations.
- With third-party IT providers under strict confidentiality agreements.
We will never share or sell your data for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
5. Data Security
Crest Medical Centre takes your privacy seriously. We store information securely through:
- Encrypted electronic medical record systems.
- Password-protected databases.
- Restricted staff access based on role.
- Regular audits and compliance checks.
6. Accessing and Updating Your Information
You may request access to your health records or update your information at any time by contacting our clinic. We may ask for identification and provide access within a reasonable timeframe.
7. Website Privacy & Cookies
Our website may use cookies to track usage and improve functionality. These do not store identifiable personal data. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.
8. Complaints and Feedback
If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact us directly. If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) via www.oaic.gov.au.
