Total Cardiovascular Care
Effective Date: 29th July 2025
1. Our Commitment to Privacy
At Total Cardiovascular Care (TCC), your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and health information are of the utmost importance. We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).
This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with legal and ethical obligations.
2. What Information We Collect
We collect the following types of personal and sensitive health information:
- Personal details: Name, address, date of birth, phone number, email address, Medicare number, private health insurance details, emergency contacts
- Medical history: Referrals, past and present illnesses, medications, allergies, test results, treatment plans, and reports
- Lifestyle and family health history
- Billing information: Payment details and records of services provided
Where necessary, we may also collect information from:
- Referring general practitioners and specialists
- Diagnostic imaging and pathology services
- My Health Record (if authorised by you)
3. How We Collect Your Information
We collect your information through:
- Direct contact: in-person, via phone, email, our website, or online booking systems
- Referral documents from your GP or other specialists
- Third parties (e.g. allied health providers or pathology services), with your consent
We take reasonable steps to ensure that all information collected is accurate, up to date, and complete.
4. Why We Collect Your Information
We collect and use your information for the following purposes:
- To provide you with appropriate medical care and treatment
- To communicate with referring doctors and other healthcare professionals involved in your care
- For billing and administrative purposes, including Medicare and private health insurance claims
- To comply with legal obligations such as mandatory reporting requirements
- To contact you regarding appointments, results, or reminders
5. How We Store and Secure Your Information
Your personal information is stored securely using physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards. These include:
- Encrypted practice management software
- Secure filing systems
- Password-protected systems with role-based access
- Regular data backups
- Staff training in privacy and confidentiality
We retain records in accordance with Victorian and federal retention requirements and destroy or de-identify information no longer needed.
6. Disclosure of Your Information
We may share your personal information with:
- General practitioners and specialists involved in your care
- Diagnostic and pathology services
- Hospitals and other healthcare providers (where required)
- Medicare, private health funds, and billing agencies
- Legal or regulatory authorities, if required by law
We will not disclose your information to any third parties without your consent unless legally required.
7. Use of Our Website
- Online forms (e.g. contact or appointment requests)
- Website analytics (e.g. via cookies or tracking tools)
We do not store sensitive health information on our website or use this data for advertising or unsolicited contact.
8. Access and Correction
You have the right to access your personal information and request corrections. To do so, please contact our practice in writing. We will respond within a reasonable time and may charge a reasonable administrative fee.
9. How to Make a Privacy Complaint
If you have any concerns about your privacy or how we have handled your personal information, please contact our Practice Manager. We will investigate your complaint and respond promptly.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Or for Victorian-specific matters:
Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC)
Phone: 1300 582 113
Website: www.hcc.vic.gov.au
10. Contact Us
Total Cardiovascular Care
11 Hastings Road, Frankston, Vic 3199
Phone: 03 9070 6116
11. Policy Updates
This privacy policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website or at reception.