Privacy Policy.
Overview
This Privacy Policy explains how Deborah Nott Psychology manages your personal information. We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Client Information We Collect
We may collect and hold the following types of information about you:
Full name, address, date of birth, email, and contact details
Information about your family or next of kin
Details on how you came to access our services
Information shared by other healthcare providers involved in your care
Government-issued identifiers (e.g. Medicare number)
Health information including:
Symptoms and medical history
Diagnoses and treatment plans
Specialist reports and test results
Medications and prescriptions
Appointment and billing records
Healthcare identifiers and health fund details
Lifestyle information relevant to your care, such as your occupation, routine activities, and health goals
Any other information necessary for us to deliver psychological care
How We Collect Information
We collect personal information in the following ways:
Directly from you (in person, over the phone, via forms, or online)
From a person legally responsible for you
From third parties, where legally permitted (e.g. other healthcare providers, health insurers, or the My Health Record system)
Why We Collect Your Information
We primarily collect your personal information to:
Deliver safe, effective psychological care
Communicate with you and those involved in your healthcare
We may also use your information for:
Practice administration, including billing and liaising with health funds
Managing IT systems and internal processes
Conducting quality assurance, audits, or accreditation
Consequences of Withholding Information
If you choose not to provide certain information, we will advise you of the potential impacts. In some cases, this may limit our ability to deliver appropriate care.
Receiving Services Anonymously
Where lawful and practicable, you may receive services anonymously or using a pseudonym. However, this may affect your eligibility for Medicare or private health insurance rebates.
How We Protect Your Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal data from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. Our safeguards include:
Locked file storage
Secure, encrypted digital databases
Cloud-based systems with appropriate security measures
Staff training in confidentiality and data security
Disclosure of Information
We may disclose your information to third parties where required or authorised by law, including:
Compliance with legal obligations (e.g. subpoenas or mandatory reporting)
Coordination with other healthcare providers
Obtaining specialist test results
Insurance claims and liaising with health funds or Medicare
Practice administration (e.g. billing, debt recovery)
Preventing or responding to a serious threat to health or safety
Locating a missing person
Managing legal proceedings or insurance notifications
We do not share your information with overseas recipients unless you consent or it is required by law. We will never sell, rent, or use your personal information for unrelated purposes.
In the event of a data breach, our data breach response plan will be activated, and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise any risk of serious harm.
Data Accuracy
We strive to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate, complete, and up to date. This information is obtained directly from you or reliable sources involved in your care.
Policy Availability and Updates
This Privacy Policy is available on our website and will be reviewed periodically. Any updates will be reflected in the revised policy published online.
Privacy Enquiries
If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, please contact us through the contact page on our website. We will respond in writing within 28 days and may arrange an appointment if needed for further discussion.
Policy Version: 20256010.01