Southern Neurology and Neurophysiology Privacy Policy

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Collection of Information

In order to provide clinical services, collection of personal information will include patient names, addresses, contact details, Medicare number( for identification and claiming purposes) general practitioner details and clinical information including details regarding the history, physical examination, investigations and the clinical assessment and plan of management

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Storage of Information

Please note that the practice is bound by the Privacy Act 1988 with the respect to the collection, maintenance and storage of patient information and records. The practice holds all personal information securely in electronic format. Appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure that patient information and records are kept safe and secure from cyber-attacks/security breaches. All hard copy documentation containing patient details are, after being converted to electronic format, destroyed by Shred- X Secure Destruction.

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Sharing of Information

As part of holistic clinical care, clinicians and SNN are required to, at times, share information and documents with other clinicians and support staff. This is detailed in the consent form that every patient completes upon first presentation to the Practice. If at any time, a patient wishes to vary their consent about who their personal information is shared with, they are welcome to do so.

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Patient Consent

​The practice will only use the personal information provided by the patient for the purpose stipulated in the consent. Additional consent will be sought from the patient if the personal information collected if it is to be used for any other purpose.

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Staff Responsibility

​SNN staff will take reasonable steps to ensure patients understand the information that is being collected and the reasons for why the information is being collected. Staff will also explain to the patients how the information is used or disclosed and obtain the necessary consent to acquire this information

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Whilst all clinicians and staff potentially have access to personal information kept in the electronic medical records there are specific practice procedures and a code of ethics which restricts access to the clinician seeing the patient only and clerical staff only when assisting with services provided to that patient.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence​

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Some clinicians use artificial intelligence to assist with timely, record-keeping and the drafting of medical correspondence and other documents. If artificial intelligence software is used to assist in the preparation of consultation letters, referrals, reports and updating of clinical records, etc verbal consent will be sought from the patient by the clinician prior to the recording of the consultation, and this will be clearly stated on the letter sent back to the referring clinician.

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The patient's consent will also be recorded in the patient's clinical record. Please note that not all specialists at SNN use this software, and it is the patient's right to refuse recording of their consultatio without any adverse outcome.

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Once the recordings have been used for the intended purpose, they will be deleted within one week. The Practice does not ratian the recordings unless specifically requested by the patient and/or a clinician.

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Exceptions to disclosure of patient information

The practice will not disclose personal information to any third party unless:

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1. The patient has provided consent

2. There is a legal obligation/requirement

3. It is deemed necessary to prevent a serious threat to the patient's life, health or safety or to public health and safety.

4. To assist in locating a missing person

5. To establish, exercise or defend on equitable claim.

6. For the purpose of a confidential dispute resolution process.