Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 09/12/2025

Introduction

Vitality Medical Health Centre 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 manage your information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).

Collection of Personal and Health Information

We collect personal and health information that is necessary to provide you with healthcare services and to manage our medical practice. This information may include:

• Name, address, date of birth, and contact details
• Medicare number, DVA number, and health fund details
• Medical history, family history, and current health status
• Medications, allergies, and adverse events
• Test results and specialist reports
• Appointment and billing details

How We Collect Your Information

We collect your information through:

• Direct communication with you during consultations
• Forms you complete and provide to us
• Correspondence with other healthcare providers
• Our website and online booking system
• Electronic transfer of prescriptions

Purpose of Collection

We collect your information for the primary purpose of providing healthcare services to you. We also use your information for:

• Managing your healthcare
• Billing and administrative purposes
• Complying with legal obligations
• Quality improvement activities
• Training of healthcare professionals
• Research purposes (with your consent or in a de-identified form)

Use and Disclosure

We may use or disclose your information for the purpose for which it was collected, or for another purpose if:

• You have consented
• You would reasonably expect us to use or disclose it for that purpose
• It is required or authorised by law
• It is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to life, health, or safety

We may share your information with other healthcare providers involved in your care, including:

• Specialists and referral services
• Pathology and diagnostic imaging services
• Hospitals and emergency services
• Medicare and health insurance providers (for billing purposes)
• My Health Record system (with your consent)

Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These steps include:

• Secure electronic systems with password protection
• Secure premises with restricted physical access to records
• Confidentiality agreements for staff and contractors
• Regular staff training on privacy and data security
• Secure disposal of records when no longer required

Data Quality and Correction

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the information we collect, use, and disclose is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. If you believe that your information is incorrect or requires updating, please advise us during your consultation or contact our reception staff.

Access to Your Information

You have the right to access the information we hold about you, subject to some exceptions allowed by law. To request access, please submit your request in writing to our Practice Manager. We may charge a reasonable fee for providing access, depending on the complexity of the request.

Anonymity and Pseudonymity

Where practicable, you have the option of not identifying yourself or using a pseudonym when dealing with us. However, this is not possible for most healthcare services as we need to accurately identify you to provide safe and effective care.

Health Information and My Health Record

With your consent, we may upload your health information to your My Health Record. You can control what information is included in your My Health Record and who can access it through the My Health Record system.

Overseas Disclosure

We do not routinely disclose personal information to overseas recipients. If we need to transfer your information overseas, we will seek your consent unless the disclosure is required or authorised by law.

Website and Online Services

Our website and online booking system may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies if you prefer.

Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your privacy or if you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or the Health Records Act, please contact our Practice Manager. We take all complaints seriously and will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

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

• The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or call 1300 363 992
• The Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) at hcc.vic.gov.au or call 1300 582 113

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be published on our website, and significant changes will be communicated to patients.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact:

Practice Manager
Vitality Medical Health Centre
Suite 4, Level 1, 1632 High Street
Glen Iris, VIC 3146
Phone: (03) 9885 5433
Email: info@vitalitymedical.com.au