Privacy Policy

​​Introduction

Guardian Dietitian is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store and protect your personal information and health information.

By engaging our services, providing information to us, or using our website, you acknowledge that your information may be handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

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What Information We Collect

We may collect personal information and health information necessary to provide healthcare services and manage our practice.

This may include:

• Name, date of birth and contact details

• Emergency contact details

• Medicare, DVA and private health insurance details

• Medical history and health information

• Referral information from healthcare providers

• Information discussed during consultations

• Clinical records, treatment notes, reports and correspondence

• Appointment and billing information

• Information you submit through forms, emails or our website

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We may also collect information from third parties where relevant to your care, including referring practitioners, general practitioners, specialists, healthcare providers, Medicare, DVA and private health insurers.

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Why We Collect Information

We collect, use and hold personal information to:

• Provide dietetic assessment, treatment and follow-up care

• Maintain accurate clinical records

• Communicate with patients regarding appointments and treatment

• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers

• Prepare reports and correspondence where authorised or required

• Process payments and health fund, Medicare or DVA claims

• Meet legal, regulatory and professional obligations

• Operate and improve our practice

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Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your information where appropriate and permitted by law to:

• Your referring practitioner

• Your general practitioner (GP)

• Other healthcare providers involved in your care

• Medicare, DVA and private health insurers

• Pathology, radiology or other health service providers where relevant

• Contractors and service providers who assist with practice administration, information technology, secure storage or communications

• Government agencies, regulators or other parties where required by law

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We will generally only disclose information necessary for the purpose for which it was collected.

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Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal and health information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Information may be stored:

• In secure electronic practice management systems

• In secure cloud-based systems used for practice administration

• In paper records where applicable

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Access to information is restricted to authorised personnel and service providers who require access to perform their duties.

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Overseas Disclosure

Some third-party software or cloud service providers used by the practice may store information on servers located outside Australia.

Where personal information is stored or processed overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place and that service providers handle information in a manner consistent with Australian privacy requirements.

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Access to Your Information

You may request access to personal information that we hold about you.

Requests should be made in writing to the practice.

Access may be provided unless an exception applies under applicable law. In some circumstances, access may be refused or limited where permitted by law.

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Correction of Information

We take reasonable steps to ensure personal information is accurate, up to date and complete.

If you believe information we hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, you may request that it be corrected.

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Website Information

Our website may collect limited technical information such as IP addresses, browser type, device information and website usage statistics.

This information is generally collected to improve website functionality, security and performance.

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support website operation and analytics.

You may be able to manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

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Retention of Records

Health records are retained for the periods required under applicable legislation, professional standards and regulatory requirements.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely destroyed or de-identified where appropriate.

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Privacy Complaints

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact the practice in the first instance.

We will endeavour to investigate and respond to complaints within a reasonable timeframe.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may be entitled to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

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