Papatoetoe Family Doctors is committed to protecting your privacy. We follow the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020, which set out how we collect, use, and protect your personal and health information.

1. What Information We CollectWe collect personal and health information that is necessary for your care, including:

• Your name, address, date of birth, contact details.
• Your health information, medical history, and test results.
• Information you provide when enrolling with us or through our website forms.
• Technical information (e.g., IP address, browser type) when you visit our website, via cookies and analytics.

2. How We Collect Information
We collect information from:

• You, directly (in person, by phone, through forms, or via our website).
• Other health providers, laboratories, or agencies involved in your care.
• Publicly available sources where appropriate and lawful.

3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:

• Provide you with safe and effective healthcare.
  Arrange tests, referrals, prescriptions, and follow-up care.
• Contact you with appointment reminders, health recalls, and updates.
• Meet our legal, funding, and reporting obligations.
• Improve our services and website.

4. Sharing Your Information
We only share your information when:

• It is directly related to your healthcare (e.g., with other clinicians, hospitals, laboratories, or specialists).
• Required by law (e.g., notifiable diseases, court orders).
  You have authorised us to do so.
• We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

5. Protecting Your Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, unauthorised access, or misuse.

• Electronic records are stored securely, with access limited to authorised staff.
• Our website uses encryption where possible.
• Health records are kept in accordance with health record retention requirements.

6. Website and Cookies
Our website may use cookies to improve site performance and your browsing experience.

• Cookies do not store personal information.
• You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some website features may not work as intended.

7. Your Rights
You have the right to:

• Access your personal and health information.
• Request correction of any incorrect information.
• Ask about how your information is used or shared.

8. Links to Other Sites
Our website may link to other sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

We respect your privacy and are committed to keeping your personal health information safe. This page explains how we collect, use, and protect your data.

1. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect your health details to provide you with safe, high-quality care and to meet our legal duties. We use this information to:

• Plan and deliver your medical treatment and care.
• Send you appointment reminders and health recall notifications.
• Improve local healthcare services and manage public health programs.
• Secure funding from Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) to help keep your visit costs down.
• Support approved medical research and train healthcare staff.

2. What Information We Collect & Where It Comes From

We collect details directly from you (such as your name, date of birth, contact details, NHI number, and medical history).

We also receive health updates about you from third-party health providers to keep your medical record up to date. This includes:

• Lab test and x-ray/radiology results.
• Hospital discharge summaries and specialist letters.
• Shared health records (like TestSafe) and screening program results.
• Letters from non-health agencies when legally permitted (e.g., ACC, Police, or insurance).

> Important Privacy Notice (IPP3A Update): Under the Privacy Amendment Act, if we receive health records about you from another organization (like a hospital or lab), we will ensure you are aware of this collection. Most patients expect us to receive test results for ongoing care, but you have the right to know what information we receive.

3. Confidentiality & How Your Data is Used

• Strict Security: Your consultation notes and records are stored securely in encrypted systems hosted in New Zealand and Australia. Only authorized healthcare staff can view your file.
• Sharing for Care: We only share your health information with other medical providers involved in your care, or with outside agencies if you give consent or if required by law.
• Your Choice: You do not have to share your health details, but withholding information may affect the quality or safety of your care.

4. Your Rights

Under New Zealand privacy law, you have full control over your information:

• Right to Access: You can request a copy of your health records at any time. You may need to show ID.
• Right to Correct: If you spot an error in your details, you can ask us to fix it. If we cannot change a clinical note, we will attach your statement to your file.
• Patient Portal: Ask our team how to sign up for our patient portal to view your records online.

5. Questions or Complaints

If you have concerns about how your information is handled, please talk to our practice staff first so we can resolve it.

If you wish to make a formal complaint, you can contact:

• Office of the Privacy Commissioner: 0800 803 909
• Health and Disability Advocacy Service: 0800 555 050

For full details, you can also read our complete privacy policy or visit the Health New Zealand Privacy Statement.

• Payment may be collected in advance and any remaining balance is due at the end of your consultation
• Did Not Attend (DNA) fee applies if you miss an appointment without advising the clinic at least 24 hours beforehand.
• Accounts unpaid by the end of the day will incur a $5 administration fee.
• Consultations over 15 minutes, or special procedures, may incur a surcharge.
• ACC consultations may have additional charges for materials or complex cases.
• To keep standard consultation fees low, a $5 account fee applies if payment is not made at the time of consultation.
• Payment methods: cash, EFTPOS, or internet banking.
  Account name: Papatoetoe Primary Health Care Ltd
  Bank account: 12 3025 0250 464 50 Copy
  Include your NHI number as the reference.
• For queries, call (09) 278 2578.
• Disclaimer: Fees are subject to change without notice. We strive for accuracy but errors may occur.