Health Information Privacy Statement

This Practice is committed to managing health information in accordance with the Health Privacy Information Code 1994. This means that we will protect the confidentiality of your health information as required by the code and associated laws.

I understand the following:

Access to my health information

I have the right to access my health information under rules 6 and 7 of the Health Information Privacy Code 1994.

Visiting a different GP

If I visit a GP who is not my regular doctor, I will be asked for permission to share information from the visit with my regular doctor or practice.

 If I have a Higher User Health Care or Community Services Card and I visit a GP who is not my regular doctor, the GP can make a claim for a subsidy. The practice I am enrolled with will be informed of the date of that visit. The name of the practice I visited and the reason(s) for the visit will not be disclosed without my consent.

Patient Enrolment Information

The information I have provided on the Practice Enrolment Form will be:

 ·         Held by the practice

·         Use by the Ministry of Health to give me a National Health Index (NHI) number, or update any changes

·         Sent to Midlands Health Network and Ministry of Health to obtain subsidised funding on my behalf

·         Used to determine eligibility to receive publicly funded services. Information may be compared with other government agencies but only when permitted under the Privacy Act.

Health Information

Members of my health team may:

·         Add to my health record during any services provided to me and use that information to provide appropriate care

·         Share relevant health information to other health professionals who are directly involved in my care

Audit

In the case of financial audits, my health information may be reviewed by an auditor for checking a financial claim made by the practice, but only according to the terms and conditions of section 22G of the health Act (or any subsequent applicable Act). I may be contacted by the auditor to check that services have been received. If the audit involves checking on health matters, an appropriately qualified health care practitioner will view the health records.

Health Programmes

Health data relevant to a programme in which I am enrolled (e.g. Breast screening, Immunisations, Diabetes) may be sent to the PHO or the external health agency managing this programme e.g. the national Immunisation Register.

Other Uses of Health Information

Health information which will not include my name but may include my National Health Identifier (NHI) may be used by health agencies such as District Health Board, Ministry of Health or PHO for the following purposes, as long as it not used or published in a way that can identify me:

·         Health service planning and reporting

·         Monitoring service quality

·         Payment

Research

My health information may be used for health research, but only if this has been approved by and ethics committee and will not be used or published in a way that can identify me.

Except as listed above, I understand that details about my health status or services I have received will remain confidential within the medical centre unless I give specific consent for this information to be communicated.