Privacy Policy

1. Our Commitment

John Fawkner Cardiology ("the Practice", "we", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), and any other applicable legislation. This policy explains how we collect, use, hold, and disclose your personal and health information.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect personal and health information necessary to provide you with appropriate medical care. This includes your name, date of birth, contact details, Medicare and health fund details, medical history, results of investigations, clinical correspondence, referral letters, and billing information. We may also collect information you provide when submitting an online enquiry or appointment request through this website.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information directly from you, your nominated representative, referring medical practitioners, other treating clinicians, hospitals, and diagnostic services. Where practicable, we will collect information directly from you. Information submitted through our website contact and appointment forms is transmitted securely.

4. How We Use Your Information

Your personal and health information is used primarily to provide and coordinate your medical care. This includes communicating with your referring doctor, arranging investigations, processing accounts, and complying with legal and regulatory obligations. We do not use your information for marketing without your explicit consent.

5. Disclosure of Information

Your information may be disclosed to treating clinicians involved in your care (including your referring doctor and hospital staff), diagnostic and pathology services, health fund and Medicare for billing purposes, and to third parties where required or permitted by law. We will not disclose your personal information to overseas recipients unless you have consented or we are required to do so by law.

6. Storage and Security

We store your records securely in electronic clinical practice management systems with access restricted to authorised staff. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. When information is no longer required, it is disposed of securely in accordance with applicable retention requirements.

7. Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to the personal and health information we hold about you, and to request corrections if it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Requests should be directed to our Practice Manager in writing. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe. Access may be declined in limited circumstances permitted by law, and a reasonable administrative fee may apply.

8. Sensitive Information

Health information is treated as sensitive information under the Privacy Act. We handle all health information with the highest standard of care and will not use or disclose it for any purpose other than your direct clinical care unless we have your consent or are permitted or required to do so by law.

9. Website and Online Enquiries

Our website does not automatically collect personally identifiable information. Any information you submit through our online appointment or contact forms is used solely for the purpose of responding to your enquiry or processing your appointment request. Our website may use anonymised analytics data to improve site performance.

10. Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact our Practice Manager at reception@jfc.com.au or (03) 9915 4800. We will investigate and respond in accordance with our complaints procedure.

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 the Health Complaints Commissioner (Vic) at www.hcc.vic.gov.au.

11. Contact

John Fawkner Cardiology
275 Moreland Road, Coburg VIC 3058
Tel: (03) 9915 4800
Email: reception@jfc.com.au