PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET

Management of your Personal Health Information & Your Privacy

All doctors at the practice use the computerised Medical Records to record information, order tests, provide prescriptions and file Specialists reports. Our computers are password protected, and backed up daily. All information recorded at the practice is confidential. We follow the Australian Federal Privacy Laws and Standards for the private health sector. The provision of quality health care requires a doctor-patient relationship of trust and confidentiality. A copy of our privacy policy is available on request.

Recalls

Our practice has a recall system in place and our doctors participate in National and State registered programmes eg Pap smear and breast screen registers. If you would prefer to opt out of these registries please advise your doctor.

Receiving Results

It is the policy of this practice to have all patients return for a consultation for their results; however a nurse may give Pap smear results to patients over the phone. Only under special circumstances and if this is organised by the Doctor during your initial consultation can the doctor be contacted and give results.

Phone Calls (receiving and returning)

Should you wish to speak with your doctor you may leave a message with reception and your doctor will return your call when possible. If the call is regarding a medical condition, it may be more appropriate to make an appointment to see a doctor. If it is important and the Doctor is not available, the nurse will assist where possible.

Patient Rights

We recognise that patients have certain rights and we will endeavour to support these rights. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the services we provide to you or if you feel your rights are not supported, we would appreciate your comments. Further information regarding your rights are located in our Patient Rights Policy, which is available at reception.

Providing Patient Feedback & Complaints

At Marong Medical Practice it is important to ensure that we continually improve the way we deliver our services. To do this well we ask that you feel free to provide feedback. We have a suggestion box on the table in the waiting room for your use. If you want to see your feedback in action please ask reception to provide our public version of our continuous improvement plan. If you are unhappy about a health service provided to you or a family member, please always try speaking with your treating doctor as a matter of priority. However, for further advice regarding health service related complaints please contact the Victorian Health Services Commissioner.

Health Services Commissioner or write to:

Health Services Commissioner

Complaints and Information                                                                    Level 26                   
Telephone: 1300 582 113                                                                       570 Bourke Street
Fax No.: (61 3) 9032 3111                                                                      Melbourne, 3000
E-mail: [email protected] Victoria, AU