Paddington Medical Centre – Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 20 November 2025

 

1. Introduction

Paddington Medical Centre (“we”, “our”, “the Practice”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

 

2. Why Your Consent Is Needed

By registering as a patient, you consent to our clinicians and staff accessing and using your personal information to provide you with safe, high-quality healthcare.
If we need to use your information for any purpose unrelated to your care or practice operations, we will seek your additional consent.

 

3. Why We Collect and Use Personal Information

We collect personal information to:

• Provide medical care

• Communicate with you about your health, appointments and results

• Process billings, payments and Medicare/DVA claims

• Manage practice operations, accreditation and quality improvement

• Provide digital services through AutoMed (online bookings, digital check-in, SMS reminders)

• Provide document allocation via Care GP

• Meet legal and public health reporting requirements.

 

4. What Information We Collect

Information may include:

• Name, date of birth, gender, address, contact details

• Medicare/DVA numbers, healthcare identifiers

• Medical history, allergies, medications, immunisations, family/social history

• Pathology and imaging results

• Clinical notes and treatment information

• Health fund details (if applicable)

• Information submitted via AutoMed or Care GP.

 

5. Dealing With Us Anonymously

You may request to use a pseudonym unless this is impractical or unlawful (e.g., for Medicare claims).

 

6. How We Collect Information

We collect information:

• When you register (in person or online via AutoMed)

• During consultations and care

• For document management (Care GP)

• Through digital health services such as eTP and My Health Record

• When you contact us via phone, SMS, email, website or social media

• From other healthcare providers, Medicare, DVA, hospitals, pathology and imaging services, or responsible guardians when necessary.

 

7. When We Share Your Information

We may share information:

• With other healthcare providers involved in your care

• With AutoMed or Care GP for booking, communication or telehealth purposes

• With IT providers and accreditation bodies (who comply with the APPs)

• When required by law (court orders, public health notifications)

• If necessary to prevent serious harm

• For confidential dispute resolution

• In de-identified form for quality improvement and population health planning.

We do not share information overseas unless permitted by law or with your consent.

 

8. Storing and Protecting Your Information

Your information is stored electronically on secure, password-protected systems.
Only authorised staff who have signed confidentiality agreements can access medical records.

Data collected or transferred through AutoMed and Care GP is encrypted and handled in accordance with Australian privacy standards.

 

9. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You may request access to your medical record by submitting a written request (forms available at reception).
We respond within 30 days. Fees may apply for copies.

To request a correction, please contact the Practice Manager:
📬 PO Box 269, Paddington QLD 4064
📧 reception@padmed.net

 

10. Making a Privacy Complaint

We take all privacy concerns seriously.
Submit complaints in writing to:

Practice Manager
PO Box 269, Paddington QLD 4064
Email: office@padmed.net or reception@padmed.net

If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Phone: 1300 363 992

Website: oaic.gov.au

 

11. Privacy and Our Website

• We use Google Analytics to gather anonymous usage data.

• Our website uses cookies; you may disable them via your browser.

• We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external links.

• Email is not encrypted; please avoid emailing sensitive information.

 

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed regularly. The latest version will always be available on our website and at reception.