This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information when you visit our website, contact our clinic or receive physiotherapy services from us.

Our privacy practices are guided by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and, where applicable, the Health Records Act 2001 (Victoria).

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Who We Are

Bambus Physiotherapy

ABN: 66 714 573 244

Suite 16/157 Scoresby Road
Boronia VIC 3155

Phone: (03) 9839 3300

Email: info@bambusphysiotherapy.com.au

What Information We Collect

To provide safe, effective and appropriate physiotherapy services, we may collect personal information and sensitive health information including:

Personal Information

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Residential address

• Email address

• Mobile and telephone numbers

• Emergency contact details

Health Information

As a healthcare provider, we collect information necessary to assess and manage your care, including:

• Medical history

• Current health concerns

• Injury history

• Clinical assessments

• Treatment notes

• Exercise history

• Lifestyle information relevant to treatment

• Functional assessments

• Imaging reports (including X-rays, MRI, CT and ultrasound reports)

• Previous treatment records

• Surgical history

• Medication information

• Referral information from your GP or other healthcare providers

Billing Information

Where applicable we may collect information relating to:

• Medicare

• Private Health Insurance

• HICAPS

• TAC

• WorkCover

• NDIS

• Payment records

How We Collect Your Information

We collect information in several ways, including when you:

• Book an appointment online

• Contact us by phone or email

• Complete new patient forms

• Attend consultations

• Complete health questionnaires

• Submit information through our website

• Communicate with us regarding your care

With your permission, or where permitted by law, we may also receive information from:

• Your General Practitioner (GP)

• Medical specialists

• Hospitals

• Imaging providers

• Referring practitioners

• Allied health professionals

• Insurers

• Employers (where appropriate)

• WorkCover

• TAC

• NDIS representatives

Why We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information so we can:

• Provide physiotherapy assessment and treatment

• Develop individual treatment plans

• Maintain accurate clinical records

• Monitor your progress

• Communicate regarding appointments

• Send appointment reminders

• Process payments

• Process Medicare, TAC, WorkCover and NDIS claims

• Respond to enquiries

• Improve our services

• Meet our legal, professional and regulatory obligations

We only collect information that is reasonably necessary for these purposes.

Consent to Collect Health Information

Health information is considered sensitive information under Australian privacy legislation.

By attending Bambus Physiotherapy for assessment or treatment, you consent to us collecting, using and storing your personal and health information for the purpose of providing physiotherapy services.

Where appropriate, we may seek additional consent before collecting or sharing information beyond your treatment requirements.

Sharing Your Information

We respect the confidentiality of your information.

We will only disclose your information where:

• You have provided consent;

• It is necessary to provide your healthcare;

• It is required by law; or

• It is otherwise permitted under Australian privacy legislation.

Your information may be shared with:

• Your GP

• Medical specialists

• Referring practitioners

• Other allied health professionals involved in your care

• Hospitals

• Radiology providers

• Private Health Insurers

• Medicare

• TAC

• WorkCover

• NDIS

• Employers (where appropriate and authorised)

• Legal authorities where required by law

We do not sell, rent or trade your personal information.

Online Bookings

Appointments may be booked through:

• Cliniko

• HotDoc

These services operate under their own privacy policies and security procedures. We encourage you to review their privacy policies if you use these booking platforms.

Clinical Records

Clinical records are securely stored using Cliniko.

We take reasonable steps to ensure your records are protected against:

• Loss

• Unauthorised access

• Misuse

• Modification

• Disclosure

Access to your records is limited to authorised staff who require the information to provide healthcare or administer our practice.

Website Information

When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically.

This may include:

• IP address

• Browser type

• Operating system

• Device type

• Pages visited

• Date and time of your visit

• Referring website

This information helps us understand how visitors use our website and allows us to improve the user experience.

Google Analytics

Our website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information about website traffic and usage.

Google Analytics may collect information including:

• Pages viewed

• Time spent on pages

• Device information

• Browser information

• General geographic location

This information does not generally identify you personally.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve website functionality and user experience.

Cookies may be used to:

• Remember website preferences

• Improve website performance

• Analyse website traffic

You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings. Some website features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.

Communications

We may contact you by:

• Email

• SMS

• Telephone

Communications may include:

• Appointment confirmations

• Appointment reminders

• Changes to appointments

• Administrative notices

• Information relating to your treatment

Where you have provided consent, we may occasionally send information about our clinic or services. You may opt out of these communications at any time.

Payments

We accept payments through various methods including:

• Private patients

• HICAPS

• Medicare

• TAC

• WorkCover

• NDIS

Payment information is handled securely using reputable payment providers.

Accessing Your Information

You may request access to your personal information or request corrections if any information is inaccurate or incomplete.

Requests should be made in writing using the contact details provided below.

In limited circumstances, access may be refused where permitted by law.

Data Security

Protecting your personal information is important to us.

We implement reasonable administrative, physical and electronic safeguards designed to protect your information against:

• Unauthorised access

• Accidental loss

• Misuse

• Disclosure

• Alteration

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no electronic system is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Record Retention

Health records are retained for the period required by Australian law and professional record-keeping obligations.

Once records are no longer required, they are securely destroyed or permanently de-identified where appropriate.

Cancellation Policy

Appointment times are reserved specifically for you.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice.

Late cancellations and missed appointments may incur a cancellation fee in accordance with our clinic policy.

Patient Responsibilities

To assist us in providing safe and effective physiotherapy care, we ask patients to:

• Provide accurate and complete health information.

• Inform us of changes to their health or contact details.

• Follow agreed treatment recommendations where appropriate.

• Attend appointments on time or provide reasonable notice if they need to cancel.

• Treat our practitioners and staff with courtesy and respect.

• Ask questions if they require clarification regarding their treatment.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology or our business practices.

The most current version will always be available on our website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, wish to access your personal information, or would like to make a privacy-related enquiry, please contact us.

Bambus Physiotherapy

Suite 16/157 Scoresby Road
Boronia VIC 3155

Phone: (03) 9839 3300

Email: info@bambusphysiotherapy.com.au

We will endeavour to respond to your enquiry as soon as reasonably practicable.

PRIVACY POLICY