PRIVACY POLICY
Purpose
This Privacy Policy outlines how Abbotsford Medical Practice collects, uses, stores, and discloses personal and health information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and relevant NSW health privacy laws. We are committed to protecting patient privacy and maintaining confidentiality.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal and health information necessary to provide quality healthcare. This may include your name, address, date of birth, contact details, Medicare number, health identifiers, medical history, medications, allergies, family history, and results from pathology or imaging. Information may be collected directly from you or from other health professionals involved in your care.
2. Why We Collect Your Information
We collect, use, and hold your information to provide medical care, communicate with you, manage referrals and billing, meet legal obligations, and support quality improvement activities within the practice.
3. How We Store and Protect Your Information
Information may be held in electronic or paper form. We take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access using secure systems, password protection, restricted access, and locked storage. When no longer required, information is securely destroyed or de-identified
4. Use and Disclosure of Information
We will only use or disclose your information for the purpose it was collected unless you consent to another use, it is required by law, or necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety. Disclosures may include other treating professionals, pathology providers, Medicare, or insurers. We will not sell or share information for marketing purposes.
5. Use of AI Scribe Technology
Abbotsford Medical Practice uses secure AI-assisted scribe technology to support clinical documentation. This technology may assist practitioners by transcribing or summarising medical consultations to improve accuracy and efficiency of medical records.
All information processed by the AI scribe is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Data is transmitted and stored securely, and the AI system does not retain identifiable patient information beyond what is necessary for the clinical record.
Patients may opt out of having their consultation documented using AI scribe technology at any time. Please inform your practitioner if you prefer not to use this service.
6. Use of Documentation Automation Technologies
Our practice may use secure documentation automation technologies, including AI-assisted scribe tools, to help prepare medical records and referral letters. These technologies assist clinicians by ensuring that relevant medical information is accurately and consistently included in referral letters and other patient documentation.
All automation tools are used under strict privacy and confidentiality controls, and clinicians review all content before it is shared to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with privacy regulations.
7. Telehealth and Audio-Visual Consultations
For your privacy, we do not record telehealth or audio-visual consultations. Any information discussed during these consultations is documented in your medical record by the treating clinician, without audio or video capture.
8. Access and Correction
You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting the Practice Manager. Requests will be handled promptly, and any refusal will include written reasons. If information is inaccurate or outdated, it will be corrected.
9. Overseas Disclosure
We do not routinely disclose information overseas. If it becomes necessary, we will seek your consent and ensure privacy protections are in place.
10. Direct Marketing
We do not use health information for marketing. Occasionally, you may receive health reminders (e.g., vaccination or check-up notices), which you can opt out of at any time.
11. Website and Online Services
Our website and online booking systems may collect limited personal information. Cookies may be used for functionality, not tracking.
12. Complaints
If you have concerns about how your privacy is managed, please contact the Practice Manager:
Practice Manager
Abbotsford Medical Practice
407–409 Great North Road, Abbotsford NSW 2046
Email: info@afmp.com.au | Phone: (02) 9713 7988
We aim to respond within 30 days. If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992.
11. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with legislation and RACGP standards.
Last reviewed: November 2025.
