Dr Matthew Free is committed to protecting your personal and health information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy explains how we collect, use, store and share your information, and how you can access it.
1. About us
- Practice name: Dr Matthew Free
- Provider: Dr Matthew Free (Orthopaedic Surgeon)
- Contact details: +61460 017 816| admin@matthewfree.com.au| Epworth Eastern East Wing Tower, Suite 10.6, Level 10, 25 Nelson Rd, Box Hill, VIC, 3128
2. What information we collect
We collect personal and health information that is necessary to provide you with safe and effective care, including:
- Your name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number and email
- Medicare, health fund, DVA or insurance details
- Medical history, clinical notes, imaging, and pathology results
- Referral letters, correspondence from other health professionals, and reports
- Billing and payment information
3. How we collect information
We may collect information:
- Directly from you (forms, consultations, phone, email)
- From your GP, physiotherapist, other medical specialists or hospitals
- From diagnostic services such as radiology and pathology providers
- From insurers, compensable bodies (e.g. WorkCover, TAC) or government agencies when required
4. Why we collect information
We collect and use your personal information to:
- Provide you with clinical assessment, treatment and follow-up
- Communicate with your GP, physiotherapist and other treating providers
- Arrange investigations, surgery and other medical services
- Manage accounts, billing, insurance and Medicare claims
- Meet our legal and professional obligations as a health service provider
5. How we store and protect your information
Your information may be held in electronic or paper form. We take reasonable steps to protect your data from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure by:
- Using secure practice management and dictation software
- Restricting access to authorised staff only
- Using password-protected devices and encrypted communications where possible
- Storing physical records in locked facilities
6. When we may share your information
We will only share your information when it is necessary for your care, or when we are legally required. This may include disclosure to:
- Your referring doctor, GP, physiotherapist, or other treating providers
- Hospitals or day surgery centres where you are admitted
- Medicare, private health insurers, WorkCover, TAC or other third-party payers
- Our professional advisers (e.g. accountants, indemnity insurer) where necessary
- Government agencies if required by law
We will not send your personal information overseas unless it is stored by a secure, accredited service provider (for example, encrypted cloud services).
7. Accessing and correcting your information
You have the right to request access to your personal and health information. You can also ask us to correct any information that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests can be made by contacting us in writing. In some cases, we may need to verify your identity or comply with legal requirements before releasing information.
8. Privacy and websites
- Website use: Our website provides general information about our services. It may include features such as contact forms, referral links, event registrations or appointment requests. If you choose to use these, the personal information you provide (such as your name, email, phone number or referral details) will be handled in line with this Privacy Policy.
- Online communication: If you contact us by email, through our website or via social media, we will collect and use your information for the purpose of responding to your enquiry and providing care. Please be aware that email and social media are not always secure methods of communication.
- Website analytics and cookies: Our website may use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) and small files called cookies. Cookies help us understand how visitors use the site, remember your preferences, and improve functionality. Cookies do not identify you personally. You can choose to disable cookies or clear them through your browser settings, but some features of the site may not work as intended.
- Links to other sites: Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.
- Feedback and online forms: If you submit feedback, enquiries or referrals through our website, the information will be collected and stored securely and only used for the purposes for which it was provided.
9. Complaints
If you have any concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us first so we can address your concerns:
- Email: admin@matthewfree.com.au
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
10. Updates to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available at our practice and on our website.
