Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Mater Hill Gastroenterology collects, uses and protects your personal information.
We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and handling your health information responsibly in line with:
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- Australian Privacy Principles
- AHPRA and relevant medical college guidelines
By attending our practice, using our website or contacting us, you agree to the terms of this policy.
1. Information we collect
We collect information that helps us provide safe, high-quality healthcare. This may include:
- Your name, date of birth, address and contact details
- Medicare and/or private health insurance details
- Medical history, referrals and clinical notes
- Test results, imaging and treatment information
- Information you provide through online forms or booking systems
- Payment details where relevant
- Contact logs (phone, email, SMS)
If you call our practice, your call may be recorded for quality, training and safety purposes.
2. How we collect your information
We may collect your information:
- Directly from you
- From your GP or referring doctor
- From hospitals, specialists or allied health professionals
- Through secure digital platforms (online booking, telehealth, forms)
- From pathology or imaging providers
- Through My Health Record (where consent is provided)
3. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) in consultations
Our clinicians may use secure artificial intelligence (AI) tools during consultations to assist with clinical documentation and medical communication.
These tools are used only as a support function and do not replace the expertise, judgement or decision-making of your healthcare provider.
What AI is used for
AI tools may be used to:
- Assist with note-taking and documentation during your consultation.
- Accurately capture key points discussed and agreed outcomes.
- Reduce manual typing so clinicians can focus more fully on you.
AI tools are not used to diagnose conditions, make treatment decisions or provide medical advice. All clinical decisions remain the responsibility of your treating doctor or allied health professional.
Your choice and consent
The use of AI for note-taking is optional.
- You will be informed if an AI tool is used during your consultation.
- You may opt out at any time, including at the start of or during your appointment
- Choosing not to use AI will not affect the care you receive.
If you prefer not to have AI used during your consultation, let your clinician know.
Privacy, confidentiality and security
Any information captured using AI tools is handled in accordance with:
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- Australian Privacy Principles
- AHPRA and relevant medical college guidelines
All clinical notes and personal health information are stored securely within approved clinical systems. AI tools used by the practice meet Australian data security and privacy standards.
4. Why we collect your information
We use your information to:
- Provide clinical care
- Manage appointments and communication
- Coordinate care with other treating providers
- Process payments and Medicare claims
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
- Improve our services and patient experience
We only collect what is reasonably necessary for your care and our operations.
5. How we store your information
We store your records securely using systems that meet Australian privacy and security standards.
Access is restricted to authorised staff on a need-to-know basis.
6. Sharing your information
We may share your information with:
- Your GP or referring doctor
- Other treating specialists or allied health professionals
- Hospitals, pathology and imaging providers
- My Health Record (if applicable)
- Medicare, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and private insurers
- AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) or Health Ombudsman where legally required
- IT, billing or administrative providers who support our operations (bound by confidentiality)
We do not sell or disclose your information to third parties for marketing.
7. Use of clinical images, videos and recordings
In some circumstances, clinical photographs, videos or other imagery may be taken as part of your medical record to assist with diagnosis, treatment or monitoring.
Any use of clinical images, videos or other imagery outside of your medical record, including for education, training, research, marketing or advertising purposes, will only occur with your explicit written consent, provided separately.
You are not required to consent to the use of clinical images for these purposes, and your decision will not affect the care you receive.
Where images are used, reasonable steps will be taken to protect your privacy, including de-identification where requested or appropriate.
All handling and storage of clinical images complies with Australian privacy legislation and AHPRA advertising guidelines.
8. My Health Record
If you have a My Health Record, we may upload or view information such as:
- Test results
- Specialist letters
- Treatment summaries
You can manage your My Health Record preferences at any time, including restricting access or opting out entirely.
If you do not wish us to upload to your My Health Record, please advise our reception team.
9. Accessing or correcting your information
You may request access to your medical record or ask us to correct inaccurate information.
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe in line with privacy legislation.
Some administrative fees may apply (e.g., printing, copying, or preparing summaries).
10. Website & digital privacy
When you use our website, we may collect limited information such as:
- Cookies and usage data
- IP addresses
- Online booking or form submissions
This helps us improve website performance and patient experience.
Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.
11. Questions or concerns
If you have a privacy question or concern, please contact:
Practice Manager
Mater Hill Gastroenterology
Email: admin@materhillgastro.com.au
Phone: 07 3163 7820
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
