Collinsville Family Practice

At Collinsville Family Practice, your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and all relevant healthcare privacy laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you visit our website or receive healthcare services from us.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you visit our website or receive healthcare services from us.

1. Information We Collect

We only collect information that is necessary to provide safe, high-quality healthcare. This may include:

• your name, date of birth, address and contact details

• your medical and family history

• medications, allergies, immunisations and risk factors

• Medicare, DVA and healthcare identifier numbers

• information from specialists, hospitals and diagnostic providers

• emergency contacts

• identification documents (e.g., photo ID)

• information you provide via online forms, email, phone, SMS or our website

We may also collect information from a guardian or authorised representative where necessary.

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information when:

• you complete a new patient form

• you attend a consultation with our doctor or nurse

• you contact us by phone, email, SMS or through our website

• you use digital health services such as My Health Record or ePrescribing

• other healthcare providers send us information as part of your ongoing care

3. Why We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• provide medical care, assessment, diagnosis and treatment

• coordinate your care with specialists, hospitals and allied health

• manage medical records, billing, Medicare/DVA claims and administration

• participate in digital health initiatives (e.g., ePrescriptions, My Health Record)

• send appointment reminders, recalls and health notifications (with your consent)

• support quality improvement, accreditation and staff education

• meet legal and regulatory obligations

We will not use your information for direct marketing without your express consent.

4. Sharing Your Information

We only share your information when it is necessary, appropriate and lawful.

We may share information:

• with other healthcare providers involved in your care

• with third-party service providers such as IT support, recall systems, or accreditation bodies—these providers must comply with privacy laws

• when required or authorised by law (e.g., court orders, public health reporting)

• to prevent a serious threat to life, health or safety

• with your consent, in situations not covered above

We do not share your identifiable information overseas unless required by law or at your request.

5. Secondary Use of Data (De-Identified Information)

To support better healthcare for our community, we may use de-identified patient data for:

• quality improvement

• clinical audits

• PIP QI reporting

• population health planning

• accreditation and service evaluation

• research approved under ethical standards

No identifiable information is used for these purposes without your consent.

You may opt out of secondary data use at any time—simply contact reception or your GP.

6. Website Use, Cookies and Analytics

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• general website usage data

• pages viewed and visit duration

• browser type and device information

Our website may use cookies and analytics to improve functionality and user experience.

You may disable cookies in your browser.
No clinical or medical information is stored on our website.

7. Communication by SMS and Email

With your consent, we may contact you by SMS or email for:

• appointment reminders

• clinical recalls

• important practice updates

You can withdraw consent for SMS or email communication at any time.

8. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We take all reasonable steps to keep your information secure.
This includes:

• encrypted clinical software

• secure servers and data backups

• staff confidentiality agreements

• role-based access controls

• secure paper storage and disposal

• regular privacy and security training

9. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You have the right to:

• access your personal information

• request corrections to your medical record

• request restrictions on how your information is used

• ask for a copy of this Privacy Policy

Requests must be made in writing to the Practice Manager.
We aim to respond within 30 days.

A small administrative fee may apply for access.

10. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• request anonymity or pseudonymity (where lawful and practical)

• withdraw consent for communication preferences

• opt out of My Health Record uploads

• ask how your information is collected, used or shared

• opt out of secondary data use

11. Privacy Concerns or Complaints

If you have a concern about how your information is managed, please contact:

Practice Manager
Collinsville Family Practice
PO Box 181, Collinsville QLD 4804
Phone: (07) 4785 6429
Email: [email protected]

We will respond promptly and work to resolve your concern.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
www.oaic.gov.au | 1300 363 992

12. Updates to This Policy

We review this Privacy Policy regularly.
The most current version will always be available on our website and at reception.

Current as of: 26th November 2025