Fortitude Physio Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 01 July 2025
Last Reviewed: 01 July 2025
Applies to: All physiotherapy services provided by Fortitude Physio – Ivanhoe

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

Fortitude Physio is dedicated to safeguarding your personal and health information in accordance with:

• Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

• Professional obligations under AHPRA and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)

This policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, storage, disclosure, and protection of your information.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide quality physiotherapy services, including:

• Personal details: name, date of birth, contact information

• Health identifiers: Medicare, DVA, or insurer details

• Medical history, treatment notes, referrals, imaging, and reports

• Payment information and appointment history

• Employment or claim details for services funded by TAC, WorkSafe, NDIS, or DVA

3. Collection Methods

Information is collected:

• Directly from you via forms, consultations, phone, email, or online bookings

• From other health professionals involved in your care

• Through referrals, reports, and clinical correspondence

• From insurers, employers, or case managers with your consent

• Via digital tools such as secure online forms and telehealth platforms

4. Purpose of Collection

Primary Purposes:

• To assess, diagnose, treat, and manage your condition

• To communicate with your healthcare team

• To process payments and liaise with funding bodies

• To maintain accurate clinical records

Secondary Purposes:

• To improve service delivery and clinical outcomes

• For staff training and quality assurance

• To comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations

• For administrative purposes such as appointment reminders

5. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Clinical Documentation

Fortitude Physio may utilize AI-assisted tools to support clinical documentation. These tools:

• Operate within secure, encrypted, and compliant platforms

• Assist in transcribing and organizing clinical notes

• Do not replace the clinical judgment of our practitioners

• Are used only with your informed consent

You have the right to opt out of AI-assisted documentation by notifying us in writing.

6. Data Storage and Protection

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

• Secure, encrypted practice management systems (e.g., Nookal)

• Role-based access controls and password protections

• Regular staff training on privacy obligations

• Routine audits and reviews of data handling practices

7. Disclosure of Information

Your information may be disclosed:

• With your express or implied consent

• To other health professionals involved in your care

• To insurers or funding bodies as authorized

• When legally required (e.g., court orders)

• To prevent a serious threat to health or safety

We do not share your information for marketing purposes.

8. Electronic Communication

While we strive to ensure the security of electronic communications, inherent risks exist. If you prefer alternative methods (e.g., secure portals, encrypted files, or hard copies), please inform us.

9. Data Breaches and Incident Response

In the event of a privacy incident:

• We will promptly contain and assess the breach

• Notify affected individuals if there is a risk of harm

• Report to relevant authorities as required

• Implement measures to prevent future occurrences

10. Overseas Data Disclosure

Some service providers may store data on servers located outside Australia. We ensure these providers comply with Australian privacy standards.

11. Access and Correction

You may request access to or correction of your personal and health information. We will respond within 30 days and provide reasons if access is denied.

12. Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached:

Contact:
Tim Wolff – Practice Director
Email: tim@fortitude.physio
Phone: 0414 647 520

If unresolved, you may contact:

• Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria): https://hcc.vic.gov.au

• Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): https://www.oaic.gov.au

13. Consent

By engaging our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as outlined in this policy. You may withdraw consent at any time by notifying us in writing.

14. Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or as required to reflect changes in laws or practices. The most current version is available on our website: https://www.fortitude.physio/privacy-policy