Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Shellharbour Skin is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal and health information with care, confidentiality and respect.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and, where applicable, the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).

This Policy applies to all services provided by Shellharbour Skin and should be read together with our Patient Terms of Service.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, technology or our business practices. The current version will always be available on our website.

What Information We Collect

We may collect personal and sensitive information necessary to provide you with safe, appropriate and ongoing care.

Depending on the services you receive, this may include:

• your name, date of birth and contact details;
• emergency contact details;
• Medicare, health fund or other billing information;
• medical history, medications, allergies and relevant health information;
• consultation notes and treatment records;
• pathology or imaging results;
• referrals and correspondence;
• clinical photographs;
• payment information; and
• AI-assisted clinical documentation.

Where practicable, we collect information directly from you or from a person authorised to act on your behalf. In some circumstances, we may collect information from other healthcare providers where this is necessary for your care or authorised by law.

Why We Collect Your Information

We collect and use your information to:

• provide medical, dermal and cosmetic services;
• assess your suitability for treatment;
• maintain accurate clinical records;
• communicate with you regarding appointments, recalls and follow-up care;
• process payments and administer your account;
• comply with legal, regulatory and professional obligations;
• improve the quality and safety of our services through quality assurance activities; and
• send information about services, products or promotions where you have provided your consent.

If you choose not to provide information requested by the Clinic, we may be unable to provide certain services safely or appropriately.

AI-Assisted Clinical Documentation

To support accurate and efficient clinical documentation, Shellharbour Skin may use approved artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted clinical documentation tools, including Heidi Health, during consultations.

Where AI-assisted documentation is used:

• your treating clinician will explain the process and seek your consent before use;
• AI is used solely to assist in preparing clinical notes;
• AI does not replace the independent clinical judgement, diagnosis or decision-making of your treating clinician;
• all AI-generated documentation is reviewed, verified and amended where necessary by the treating clinician before it becomes part of your clinical record; and
• your treating clinician remains responsible for the accuracy and completeness of your medical record.

If you do not wish AI-assisted documentation to be used during your consultation, you may decline or withdraw your consent at any time. Your decision will not affect the care you receive.

Clinical Photography

Clinical photographs may be taken before, during and after treatment for the purposes of:

• clinical documentation;
• treatment planning;
• monitoring treatment progress;
• continuity of care; and
• maintaining an accurate health record.

Clinical photographs form part of your confidential health record.

Images will not be used for marketing, education, publications or any other secondary purpose without your separate written consent, unless otherwise required or authorised by law.

Use and Disclosure of Your Information

Your information is used primarily to provide healthcare and manage the operation of the Clinic.

Where appropriate, your information may be disclosed to:

• other healthcare providers involved in your care;
• pathology or diagnostic providers;
• pharmacies;
• software and practice management providers;
• payment processing providers;
• legal or regulatory authorities where required by law; or
• other organisations where you have provided consent or disclosure is otherwise authorised or required by law.

We will not disclose your information for unrelated purposes without your consent unless required or authorised by law.

Marketing Communications

With your consent, Shellharbour Skin may contact you regarding:

• new services;
• skincare products;
• educational information;
• promotions;
• events; or
• other information relevant to your care.

You may withdraw your marketing consent at any time by using the unsubscribe link in our communications or by contacting the Clinic.

Your decision will not affect the healthcare you receive.

Accessing or Correcting Your Information

You have the right to request access to your personal or health information and to request correction of information that is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.

Requests should be made in writing to the Clinic.

Where permitted by law, a reasonable administrative fee may apply for providing copies of records.

In some circumstances, access may be refused where permitted by law. If this occurs, we will explain the reasons for the decision.

Data Security & Retention

Shellharbour Skin takes reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

This includes:

• secure electronic practice management systems;
• password-protected devices;
• restricted staff access;
• secure storage of paper records; and
• secure disposal or de-identification of information when no longer required.

Health records are retained for the period required under applicable legislation and professional standards.

Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies, analytics tools and similar technologies to improve website performance and user experience.

These technologies generally collect non-identifiable information such as browser type, device information and website usage.

You can adjust your browser settings to manage or disable cookies; however, some website functions may not operate as intended.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites.

Shellharbour Skin is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

Privacy Questions or Complaints

If you have any questions, concerns or complaints regarding the handling of your personal information, please contact us.

Shellharbour Skin
Email: [email protected]

We will acknowledge your enquiry promptly and endeavour to resolve your concerns in accordance with our internal complaints process.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

By attending Shellharbour Skin or providing your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your information as described in this Policy, subject to your rights under applicable privacy legislation.