Privacy Policy
Effective 17th March, 2025
This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information collected by Journey Physiotherapy (“us”/”our”) via our referral and intake processes, and during Physiotherapy or other relevant services to clients (“you”/”your”).
What is "personal information"?
The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) currently defines "personal information" as meaning information or an opinion about an identified individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable: whether the information or opinion is true or not; and whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not. If the information does not disclose your identity or enable your identity to be ascertained, it will in most cases not be classified as "personal information" and will not be subject to this privacy policy.
What information is collected?
The personal information we collect from you or your child/dependent may include:
• Information provided when you or a third party (with your consent) contact us to enquire about or engage our services.
• Information which is considered necessary and lawful to provide our services.
• Your and your child/dependent’s names, addresses, and contact details.
• Your or your child/dependent’s date of birth and gender.
• Details of your or your child/dependent’s disability, NDIS plan details and any relevant medical history.
• Information about your and your child/dependent’s current living arrangements and support network.
• Progress notes and observations from Physiotherapy or other relevant sessions.
• Information provided by others involved in your child's life, e.g. school, other health professionals, etc.
• Any other information you provide voluntarily.
How your personal information is collected:
Your personal information may be provided by you or by people who support you. Your family, support coordinator, NDIS Planner, or other health, education or relevant professionals can give Journey Physiotherapy information about you.
Information is collected:
• via the website located at www.journeyphysiotherapy.com.au,
• through in-person, virtual, and telephone conversations,
• through emails and text messages,
• when you fill in our forms, including the online Splose forms,
• when we interact on social media,
• when we document progress notes into practice management software,
• when we take relevant photos and videos during appointments.
Using Personal Information
We use your personal information to:
• Provide you or your child/dependent with quality Physiotherapy services that are tailored to their individual needs and goals,
• Develop and implement an Physiotherapy plan that is consistent with your or your child/dependent’s NDIS plan (if relevant),
• Communicate with you and other healthcare professionals involved in your or your child/dependent’s care about their Physiotherapy services, including scheduling appointments, providing updates on their progress, and addressing any concerns you or they may have,
• Prepare reports and documentation for the NDIS and other relevant parties,
• Manage our business operations, including billing, invoicing, and legally required record keeping. Disclosure of Personal Information We may disclose your personal information to/when required by:
• The NDIS or its representatives, as required by the NDIS Scheme (if you are a participant),
• Other healthcare professionals involved in your or your child/dependent’s care, with your consent,
• Third-party service providers who assist Journey Physiotherapy in providing services, such as interpreters, equipment suppliers, or accountant/debt collector.
We will not disclose your personal information to anyone without your consent, unless required by law. You can give consent and let us know your preferences by completing a consent form. Please let us know if you would like to update your consent form.
We are required to disclose your personal information (regardless of your consent):
• If we suspect there is a serious risk to the wellbeing of a child or vulnerable person, we are required to release your information to regulatory/statutory organisations. Physiotherapists are considered a “prescribed person” legally required to report concerns, according to the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act (1997). • When it is required or authorised by law (e.g. court subpoena).
Data Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. We store your personal information in secure electronic and physical records for a period of time in accordance with HRA. We also have procedures in place to destroy or de-identify your personal information when it is no longer required.
Your Rights
You have the following rights in relation to your personal information:
• Access: You have the right to access your personal information.
• Correction: You have the right to request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information we hold about you.
• You have the right to withdraw consent for the exchange of information at any time. You can do this by contacting me in writing.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about the way we have handled your personal information, you can contact us by email at admin@journeyphysiotherapy.com.au. We will investigate your complaint and provide you with a response within a reasonable timeframe. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)