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07 56274011
Privacy Policy
Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre has developed a policy to protect patient privacy in compliance with Australia’s privacy legislation:
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 1st August 2025
Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our patients. This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal health information in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
1. Collection and Use of Your Information
To provide quality ongoing healthcare services, we collect personal information, including sensitive health information such as medical history, current health status, and family health background. This information is essential for:
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
- Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
- Billing and processing payments
- Communicating with you regarding your health
We collect this information directly from you, unless it is unreasonable or impracticable to do so.
2. Disclosure of Your Information
To ensure continuity of care, your information may be shared with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment, such as specialists, hospitals, pathologists, and allied health professionals. We will only disclose the necessary information and will seek your consent where appropriate.
In certain circumstances, we may disclose your information without consent, including:
- Emergency situations
- Reporting communicable diseases as required by law
- Fulfilling medical indemnity insurance requirements
- Complying with court orders or subpoenas
- Reporting to Medicare or private health funds for billing purposes
3. Data Quality and Security
We strive to maintain accurate, up-to-date, and complete records. You can assist by informing us of any changes to your personal details.
Your information may be stored in paper and/or electronic formats. We implement reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Records are retained for the period required by law or for administrative purposes. Once no longer needed, records are securely destroyed.
4. Access and Correction of Your Information
Under Australian privacy laws, you have the right to access your personal health information.
To request access:
- Submit a written request to our practice
- We may charge a fee for providing access, depending on the nature of the request
If you believe your information is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date, you may request
corrections. We will assess your request and make the necessary amendments.
Access may be denied in certain circumstances, such as: - Legal requirements
- Threat to life or health
- Breach of confidentiality
5. Anonymity and Pseudonymity
Where lawful and practicable, you may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym.
However, for medical treatment and to claim Medicare or health insurance rebates, providing identifying information is necessary.
6. Complaints
If you have concerns about how your personal information is handled, please discuss them with your doctor. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or our practices.
The latest version will be available on our website.
Federal Privacy Commissioner:
GPO Box 5218,
Sydney NSW 1042
Privacy Hotline: 1300 363 992
Website: www.privacy.gov.au
Office of the Health Ombudsman
Website: www.oho.qld.gov.au
133 646
Terms of Service
Effective Date: 1st August 2025
Welcome to Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre. By accessing our services, either in person or via our website, you agree to the following Terms of Service.
Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre has a zero-tolerance policy for abusive or aggressive behaviour toward staff or other patients. Please treat our team with respect.
1. Use of Services
- Our services are provided to patients seeking medical and dental care.
- You must provide accurate and complete information about your health, medical history, and contact details.
- You agree to use our services for lawful purposes only.
2. Appointments and Cancellations
- Appointments can be booked via phone, online, or in person.
- Please provide at least 2 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
- Failure to attend appointments without notice may incur a fee.
3. Payment and Billing
- Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre operates as a mixed billing practice.
- Fees are payable at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made.
- We accept payments via cash, card, and other approved methods.
- You are responsible for any outstanding fees, including services not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
4. Privacy and Confidentiality
- Your personal and health information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
- By using our services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
5. Health Information and Advice
- Information provided by our doctors and staff is for general health guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice in emergency or specialised situations.
- Always seek immediate medical attention in emergencies.
6. Patient Responsibilities
- You are responsible for providing accurate information regarding your health and following the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.
- You agree to behave respectfully towards our staff and other patients.
7. Limitation of Liability
- Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre takes reasonable steps to provide safe, high-quality care.
- However, we do not accept liability for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our services.
- Our doctors’ advice and treatments are provided based on information available at the time; results may vary depending on individual circumstances.
8. Intellectual Property
- All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and designs, is owned by Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre and protected under copyright law.
- You may not reproduce or use any content without our written permission.
9. Changes to Terms
- We may update these Terms of Service at any time. The latest version will be available on our website.
- Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any updated terms.
10. Contact
For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact:
Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre
144A, Bayview Street, Runaway Bay, Qld-4216
Phone: 07 5627 4011
Email: info@bulkbillingrunawaybay.com.au
Legal & Regulatory Policy
Child & Dependant Privacy Policy
Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre respects the privacy of minors and other dependent patients.
- Personal and health information of children and dependents is collected and managed with strict confidentiality.
- Access to this information by parents, guardians, or carers is determined based on medical, ethical, and legal considerations.
- Each access request will be assessed individually to ensure the patient’s best interests and privacy rights are maintained.
- The clinic complies with the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of sensitive health information for minors.
Mandatory Reporting Policy
Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre is committed to fulfilling all legal obligations regarding mandatory reporting.
- The clinic may be required to report certain conditions or incidents without patient consent, including:
- Communicable diseases as mandated by law
- Suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or neglect
- Threats to public safety or serious criminal activity
- All mandatory reports are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and professional standards.
- Staff are trained to recognise reportable situations and ensure compliance while maintaining patient confidentiality as much as possible.
Medical Records Release Policy
The privacy and security of patient records are a top priority at Runaway Bay Medical and Dental Centre.
- Patients may request access to their medical records or request that information be released to another healthcare provider.
- Requests must be made in writing. The clinic may charge a reasonable fee if the request incurs costs.
- Only the information necessary for the intended purpose will be disclosed.
- Medical records may be released without consent only when required by law, court order, subpoena, or in emergencies.