Questions: What types of information does Globe Medical collect about me?
Answer: Globe Medical collects personal information about our patients such as personal details, medical records, family information employment demographic and account data. This information enables our doctors to properly assess, diagnose, treat and be proactive in your health care needs.
Questions: How does Globe Medical collect my personal information?
Answer: Wherever possible Globe Medical will collect your personal information directly from you or a person authorised by you (e.g. relative, guardian or other health care provider). Your personal information will only be used for the purposes for which it collected, or otherwise permitted by law.
Question: How confidential are my medical records?
Answer: Your medical records remain confidential between you and the doctor. Occassionally, other clinical staff at Globe Medical (e.g. other doctors or the practice nurse team) may need to see your records. Globe Medical will never disclose your medical records to a third party unless you have provided your consent, or if required to by law.
Questions: Who owns my medical records?
Answer: Patient medical records are the notes made by the doctor to assist the doctor to provide medical care. All patient records are therefore the property of Globe Medical. By attending an appointment at Globe Medical, you have implicity given the doctor permission to take notes of the consultation. However, under the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth) you have the right to view and access a copy of your records.
Question: How can I request to view or access a copy of my medical records?
Answer: Requests to access personal health information should be directed to either your treating doctor of Globe Medical's Privacy Officer. It is the discretion of your doctor to provide your with either an up-to-date summary of your medical records, or a copy of your full medical record.
Question: Can Globe Medical charge a fee for providing me with a copy of my medical records?
Answer: Yes. Under the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth), Globe Medical can charge a reasonable fee for the administrative tasks of providing a copy of your medical records.
Question: Can I be denied access to my medical records?
Answer: Full or partial access to your medical records may be refused in circumstances where:
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disclosure of health information may result in physical or mental harm to your or any other person
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the information may impact on the privacy of other indiviudals
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information relates to the existing or anticipated legal proceedings
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if access whould prejudice negotiations with the indiviudal
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where denying access is required or authorised by law
Question: Can I transfer my medical records to a doctor at a different medical practice?
Answer: Yes. While there is no legal obligation for a doctor to transfer patient medical records, the doctors at Globe Medical honour the professional courtsey. This is done by the doctor at the new practice submitting a formal request to transfer medical records on behalf of you, the patient. You will be asked to sign a consent form authorising the request.
Question: How long will Globe Medical keep my records for?
Answer: It is a legislative requirement that Globe Medical retains a copy of patient medical records for a minimum of 7 years for adults, and up to 25 years for children from the date that the patient was last provided with medical treatment or services by the doctor or medical practice.
At Globe Medical, it is our policy to retain patient medical records indefinitely.
