this is really boring - but important…
Disclosure of Personal Information
Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following:
• Third parties where you consent to the use or disclosure; and
• Where required or authorised by law.
Privacy Policy
Alchemy Medicine Clinic is committed to protecting your privacy and managing your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
This policy applies to information collected through consultations, our website, online forms, communication channels, programs and services provided by Alchemy Medicine Clinic.
What is Personal Information and why do we collect it?
Personal information is information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who can reasonably be identified.
The types of personal information we may collect include:
Name, date of birth, address and contact details
Health history, symptoms and wellbeing information
Medical conditions, medications and supplements
Pathology results and health assessments
Dietary information, lifestyle factors and personal health goals
Body measurements and progress information where relevant to programs such as Metabolic Balance®
Information provided through consultation forms, questionnaires and correspondence
We collect this information so we can provide personalised naturopathic consultations, nutritional guidance, herbal medicine recommendations, health education and wellbeing support.
Where you participate in specific programs, such as Metabolic Balance®, we may collect additional information required to develop personalised nutrition plans, monitor progress and provide coaching support.
We may also use your personal information for related purposes such as:
Managing appointments and client communication
Sending reminders, educational information and updates about our services
Improving our services and client experience
Meeting legal, regulatory and professional obligations
You may unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe option included in our communications.
Where practical, we will explain why we are collecting information and how it will be used at the time of collection.
Sensitive Information and Health Information
Health information is considered sensitive information under the Privacy Act and requires additional protection.
Because naturopathic consultations involve health-related information, we may collect and use sensitive information including your health history, symptoms, lifestyle information, dietary patterns and other information relevant to providing services.
Sensitive information will only be collected, used or disclosed:
For the purpose for which it was provided
For a directly related purpose that you would reasonably expect
With your consent
Where required or authorised by law
We will only collect sensitive information that is reasonably necessary for providing our services.
How we collect Personal Information
Where reasonable and practical, we collect personal information directly from you.
Information may be collected through:
Consultation appointments
Client intake forms and questionnaires
Website forms
Email, phone, SMS or other communication methods
Online consultations
Program participation forms and assessments
We may also receive information from third parties where you have authorised this, such as other health professionals or service providers.
Use of Third-Party Services
To provide our services efficiently, we may use trusted third-party platforms and service providers. These may include:
Client management and booking platforms
Online consultation platforms such as Zoom
Payment processing providers
Accounting systems
Email and communication platforms
Website and marketing service providers
These providers may store information electronically and are required to handle information appropriately and securely.
Where third-party providers are located outside Australia, we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate privacy protections are in place.
Disclosure of Personal Information
We will not sell, rent or trade your personal information.
Your information may only be disclosed:
With your consent
To service providers who assist us in operating our practice
Where required or authorised by law
Where necessary to provide services you have requested
We may disclose information to another healthcare practitioner where you have provided consent or requested collaboration in your care.
Storage and Security of Personal Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
Information may be stored electronically or in physical records. We use reasonable security measures appropriate to the nature of the information collected.
Client records are retained for the period required by applicable professional and legal obligations. Health records are generally retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the last consultation, unless a longer retention period is required.
When information is no longer required, reasonable steps will be taken to securely destroy or de-identify it.
Accessing and Correcting Your Personal Information
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you or request corrections if you believe information is inaccurate, incomplete or outdated.
To protect your privacy, we may require verification of your identity before providing access.
Requests can be made by contacting Alchemy Medicine Clinic.
We will respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe. While we do not charge for making an access request, reasonable administrative costs may apply for providing copies of records.
Privacy Complaints and Enquiries
If you have questions, concerns or a complaint regarding how we handle your personal information, please contact:
Alchemy Medicine Clinic
[Insert email address]
We will investigate and respond to privacy concerns within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our practices, services or legal requirements. The current version will be available on our website.
Please contact us with any enquiries.