Corewell Privacy Policy

Introduction
Corewell is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information. This policy outlines how we manage the personal and sensitive information we collect, hold, use, and disclose, ensuring compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). By engaging with our services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this polic

1. The Information We Collect
We collect information necessary to provide you with effective psychological services and manage our clinical practice.
A. Personal Information
This includes information that can identify you:

• Identity Details: Your name, date of birth, gender, and contact details (address, phone number, email).

• Billing Information: Medicare details, Private Health Insurance details, and billing records.
• Referral Information: Details contained in referrals from General Practitioners (GPs) or other health professionals.

B. Sensitive Information (Health Information)
As a health service provider, we collect “sensitive information,” which is afforded a higher level of protection under the APPs. This includes

• Clinical Records: Session notes, assessment results, treatment plans, and correspondence with other health practitioners.
• Mental and Physical Health Status: Information regarding your current and past mental and physical health.
• Cultural and Social Background: Information regarding your ethnic or cultural background, social situation, and relevant family history.

2. How We Collect and Hold Information
A. Method of Collection
We collect information directly from you when:

• You make an initial enquiry or book an appointment (via phone, email, or online booking platform).
• You attend a face-to-face or telehealth consultation.
• You complete forms, consent documents, or questionnaires related to your treatment.

You complete forms, consent documents, or questionnaires related to your treatment.
We may also collect information from third parties with your explicit consent, such as:

• Your referring GP or medical specialist.
• Other treating health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, previous psychologists).
• Relevant agencies (e.g., NDIS, WorkCover) if necessary for your treatment or funding.

B. Storage and Security
Your personal and sensitive information is stored securely in various forms:

• Digital Records: Primarily stored in secured, password-protected practice management software, protected by encryption and strict access controls.
• Hard Copy Records: Where physical documents exist, they are stored in locked filing cabinets within a secured office premise (Suit 26, Level 2, 50 New Street, Ringwood, VIC, 3134).

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Clinical records are retained for the legally required period (currently 7 years after the last service, or until the client turns 25, whichever is later) and are then destroyed securely.

3. Why We Use and Disclose Your Information
We use and disclose your personal and sensitive information for the primary purpose of providing you with quality psychological services.
A. Primary Purpose

• Providing Treatment: Assessment, diagnosis, and provision of psychological therapy.
• Administration: Managing appointments, invoicing, and processing payments.
• Communication: Corresponding with you regarding your appointments or treatment.

B. Secondary Purposes (Disclosure)
We will only disclose your information to external parties with your informed consent or where legally required:

1. Referring Practitioners: Providing reports or updates to your referring GP or specialist to ensure continuity of care, particularly for Medicare requirements
2. Professional Supervision: Information may be discussed during mandatory professional supervision sessions, but your identity is always protected and kept anonymous.
3. Legal Requirements: Where we are legally obliged to disclose information (e.g., subpoenas, court orders, or mandatory reporting required by law).
4. Duty of Care: If your psychologist assesses that there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or an identifiable third person, they have a professional and ethical duty to disclose necessary information to protect safety.

5. Overseas Disclosure
Corewell does not routinely disclose personal or sensitive information to overseas recipients. All telehealth services are provided and managed within Australia, adhering to Australian privacy laws.

6. Contact and Complaints
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to access your records, or have a complaint about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us in writing.
DetailInformationContact PersonThe Practice ManagerEmailinfo@corewell.comPhone(03) 8828 8999Postal AddressSuit 26, Level 2, 50 New Street, Ringwood, VIC, 3134
Complaint Resolution
We take all complaints seriously and will investigate and respond to your complaint within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days).
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

• Website: oaic.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 363 992

Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practice or legal requirements. The most recent version will always be available on our website.
This comprehensive policy addresses the specific requirements for health clinics under Australian law and provides all necessary contact details and disclosure rules.