Privacy Policy

In this Privacy Policy, 'us', 'we' or 'our' means Melbourne Anaesthetic Group. We are committed to respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy sets out how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information. We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the “Privacy Act”).

By providing personal information to us, you consent to our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and any other arrangements that apply between us. We may update this policy from time to time by publishing changes on our website.

What personal information do we collect?

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Name, date of birth, address, email address, telephone number and other contact details
• Medicare number, health fund or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) details and other government identifiers
• Medical information including medical history, medications, allergies, adverse events, immunisations, social and family history, risk factors, surgical procedures, treating hospital, specialist reports, test results, and correspondence from patients or treating doctors
• Bank or credit card information
• Any other personal information required to facilitate your dealings with us

How do we collect your personal information?

We may collect personal information:

• Directly from you (face-to-face, phone, messages, email, online form)
• From a person responsible for you
• From third parties as permitted under the Privacy Act, such as:
• Other members of your treating team
• Diagnostic centres
• Specialists and hospitals
• My Health Record system
• Electronic prescription services
• Medicare or your health insurer

Why do we collect, use and disclose personal information?

We may use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide health services
• To communicate with you regarding your healthcare
• To comply with legal obligations
• To manage accounts and billing
• To consult with other doctors and health professionals involved in your care
• For identification and insurance claiming
• To liaise with Medicare, DVA, health funds and the OAIC if required

To whom do we disclose your personal information?

We may share your information:

• With other healthcare providers
• Where required or authorised by law (e.g. court subpoenas)
• When necessary to prevent serious threats to life, health, or public safety
• Where there is a statutory requirement to disclose (e.g. notifiable diseases)
• In the course of providing medical services via systems like electronic prescribing or My Health Record

Only authorised personnel will access your data. Outside of these scenarios, we do not share your information without your consent.

Disclosure of personal information outside Australia

We may disclose your information overseas to:

• Individuals or organisations helping us provide services (e.g. health records from overseas or ongoing treatment)
• Overseas insurance providers
• Anyone else you authorise us to disclose it to

Using our website and cookies

We do not collect personal information via third-party cookies or other tracking techniques.

• Google Analytics may report anonymous data such as hit counts and referral domains
• If you visit our website, our hosting provider may log your IP address, domain, visit time, pages viewed, and downloads. This data is used for analytics and website improvement only

Security

Your information is stored securely in either electronic or hard copy form. We take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure:

• Electronic files are password protected
• Hard copies are stored in secured premises

However, we cannot guarantee complete data security.

Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. These are for convenience only. We are not responsible for the content or privacy policies of those websites. Please review their privacy policies before using them.

Accessing or correcting your personal information

You have the right to request access to or correction of your personal information.

• Requests can be made in writing or by phone
• We’ll respond within 30 days and may charge a reasonable fee (e.g. copying costs)
• We may ask you to verify your information periodically
• You can also request corrections if your information is inaccurate or outdated

Making a complaint

If you believe we’ve breached the Privacy Act or mishandled your personal information:

1. Contact us using the details below
2. Include your name, email or phone number, and a clear explanation of your complaint
3. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe

If unresolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Contact Us

Practice Manager
Suite 64, Level 6
166 Gipps Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
    office@melbanaes.com.au
    (03) 9419 6255

Effective: 8 July 2025