Privacy + Cookie Policy

This clinic is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and health information. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and all relevant health records legislation in Victoria.

What information we collect

We collect personal and health information necessary to provide safe and effective osteopathic care, including:

  • Name, date of birth, address, phone number and email

  • Health history, presenting complaints, examination findings and treatment records

  • Medicare, DVA, WorkSafe or private health insurance details

  • Referral letters and correspondence from other health professionals

  • Website usage data where applicable

  • We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate, complete, and up to date. We encourage you to notify us of any changes to your contact details or health status during your appointments.

Why we collect your information

Your information is collected for the purpose of:

  • Providing osteopathic assessment and treatment

  • Managing appointments and clinic communication

  • Billing, payments and third-party claims

  • Communicating with other health professionals involved in your care (with consent)

  • Meeting legal, regulatory and professional obligations

How your information is stored

Your information is stored securely using electronic practice management systems and secure cloud-based software. Reasonable steps are taken to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. In accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), we retain health records for a minimum of 7 years for adults. For patients who are children, records are retained until the individual attains the age of 25.

Disclosure of information

Your information may be disclosed to:

  • Other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)

  • Medicare, DVA, WorkSafe, TAC or private health insurers where required

  • Regulatory bodies where legally required

We do not sell or use your information for unrelated marketing purposes.

While we do not use your information for unrelated marketing, we may occasionally send clinic newsletters or health updates via email. You may opt out of these communications at any time by using the 'unsubscribe' link provided or by contacting the clinic directly.

Access, correction and complaints

You may request access to or correction of your personal or health information at any time. Requests should be made in writing and will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe.

We may require verification of identity before releasing or correcting personal or health information.

If you have a privacy concern, please contact the clinic directly so we can address it promptly.

If you are dissatisfied with our response to a privacy or health record complaint, you may contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (Victoria) via their website at hcc.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 582 113

Data breaches

If a data breach occurs that is likely to cause serious harm, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, accessibility and user experience.

Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

  • Understand how visitors use our website

  • Improve website performance and usability

  • Remember basic user preferences

    By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy.

We may use reputable third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to collect anonymised information including IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited and time spent on the site. This information is used solely to analyse website performance and improve services.

Some third-party service providers we use, such as online booking and website analytics providers, may store data on servers located outside Australia. We take reasonable steps to ensure that any overseas recipients comply with Australian privacy standards.

You can adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies at any time. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of the website.

Online Booking Policy (Cliniko)

Our clinic uses secure online booking software (Cliniko) to allow patients to book appointments via our website.

When you make an online booking, we collect personal information such as your name, contact details and appointment information for the purposes of:

  • Managing and confirming appointments

  • Sending appointment reminders and notifications

  • Linking bookings to your clinical record

Online bookings are subject to the following conditions:

  • Appointment times are not confirmed until you receive a booking confirmation

  • New patients are required to complete a New Patient Intake Form prior to their first appointment

  • Appointments may be rescheduled or cancelled in accordance with our cancellation policy

Cliniko stores information securely on encrypted servers and complies with Australian privacy and data security standards. We take reasonable steps to ensure that information collected through online booking is protected from misuse, loss or unauthorised access.

Contact details

Geelong Osteopathy and Movement

Shop 1A/ 110-112 Hight Street Belmont, 3216

Privacy Officer: James Hall (Director)
Email: info@geelongosteoandmovement.com.au
Phone: 0409430065