Privacy Policy

Pharmacy Family Doctors Pty Ltd t/a STI Doctor

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Introduction

This privacy policy provides information to you, our patient, on how your personal information (which includes your health information) is collected and used within STI Doctor, and the circumstances in which we may share it with third parties.

Why and when your consent is necessary

When you register as a patient with STI Doctor for a telehealth consultation, you provide consent for our GPs and practice staff to access and use your personal information so they can provide you with discreet, high-quality sexual health care. Only staff who need to see your personal information will have access to it. If we need to use your information for anything else, we will seek additional consent from you.

Why do we collect, use, hold and share your personal information?

Our practice collects your personal information to provide telehealth STI testing, diagnosis, treatment, and related sexual health services. Our main purpose is to manage your sexual health concerns effectively and privately. We also use it for directly related activities, such as processing bulk-billed claims (Medicare), practice audits and accreditation, electronic pathology and prescription management, and business processes (e.g. staff training).

What personal information do we collect?

The information we collect about you may include your:

  • names, date of birth, addresses, contact details (phone, email)
  • medical information including sexual health history, symptoms, recent exposures, medications, allergies, adverse events, immunisations, social and family history, and risk factors
  • Medicare number (required for bulk-billed/no-gap consultations and testing)
  • healthcare identifiers
  • health fund details (if applicable).
Dealing with us anonymously

You have the right to deal with us anonymously or under a pseudonym unless it is impracticable (e.g. for Medicare claiming, pathology requests, or legal requirements) or we are required/authorised by law to deal only with identified individuals.

How do we collect your personal information?

STI Doctor may collect your personal information in several ways:

  1. When you book and register for a telehealth appointment online, our system collects your personal and demographic information.
  2. During telehealth consultations, we collect further information via secure video/phone discussions, and through electronic transfer from sources like Shared Health Summaries, My Health Records, or other eHealth services.
  3. We may collect information when you visit our website (stidoctor.com.au), send us an email or SMS, make an online booking, or communicate via other channels.
  4. In some cases, information may be collected from other sources when it's not practical to get it directly from you, such as:
    • your guardian or responsible person
    • other healthcare providers (e.g. specialists, pathology labs, diagnostic services)
    • your health fund, Medicare, or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (as necessary for claims or care coordination).
When, why and with whom do we share your personal information?

We may share your personal information:

  • with third parties who support our telehealth services for business purposes (e.g. IT providers, accreditation agencies, secure booking platforms)—these parties must comply with Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and this policy
  • with other healthcare providers (e.g. pathology labs for STI testing, pharmacies for electronic prescriptions)
  • when required or authorised by law (e.g. court subpoenas)
  • when necessary to lessen or prevent a serious threat to your life, health, safety, or public health/safety (or if obtaining consent is impractical)
  • to assist in locating a missing person
  • to establish, exercise or defend an equitable claim
  • for confidential dispute resolution processes
  • when there is a statutory requirement (e.g. mandatory notification of certain STIs/diseases to public health authorities)
  • during care provision via electronic systems like eTP (electronic Transfer of Prescriptions) or My Health Record (e.g. Shared Health Summary)—your consent for My Health Record participation can be given during online registration or verbally to our team.

Only those who need access will see your information. Except as described here or for providing medical services, we will not share your personal information with third parties without your consent.

STI Doctor may use your information for direct marketing of our sexual health services. You can opt out at any time by notifying us in writing. We may also use it for quality improvement, research, and analysis (often de-identified). De-identified data may be shared with organisations to improve population health outcomes—all secure, non-identifiable, and stored in Australia. Contact us if you do not want your data included.

How do we store and protect your personal information?

Your information is stored electronically on secure Australian-based servers. We do not store paper records, scans, or other hard-copy patient documentation. No information is stored overseas. Access is protected by personalised passwords and secure telehealth platforms.

How can you access and correct your personal information?

You have the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. Requests should be made in writing. We will respond within a reasonable time (typically within 30 days). A fee may apply (currently $49 for preparation and transfer of records).

We will take reasonable steps to correct inaccurate or outdated information. We may periodically ask you to verify your details. Send correction requests in writing to our reception team.

How can you lodge a privacy-related complaint?

We take privacy concerns seriously. Express any issues in writing, and we will aim to resolve them within 30 days per our procedure. Contact us at:

  • Email: reception@stidoctor.com.au
  • Phone: (02) 9059 8295
  • Mail: [Your head office address – insert if applicable; the service is telehealth-focused and may not list a public physical address]

You may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992. The OAIC usually requires you to give us time to respond first.

Privacy and our website

Our website may collect de-identified information to analyse usage and behaviours. Our online booking, registration, recall, SMS reminder, and check-in systems are operated by third parties who support our services—these parties comply with APPs and this policy.

Policy review statement

This privacy policy is reviewed regularly to reflect any changes in laws, services, or practices. We will notify patients of updates via email or our website when significant changes occur.