Privacy Policy

Access to my Health Information

I have the right to access (and have corrected) my health information under Rules 6 and 7 of the Health Information Privacy Code 2020.

Visiting Another GP

If I visit another GP who is not my regular doctor, I will be asked for permission to share information from the visit with my regular doctor or practice.

If I am under fourteen years old or have a High User Health Card, or a Community Services Card, and I visit another GP who is not my regular doctor, he/she can make a claim for a subsidy, and the practice I am enrolled in will be informed of the date of that visit. The name of the practice I visited and the reason(s) for the visit will not be disclosed unless I consent.

Patient Enrolment Information

The information I have provided on the Practice Enrolment Form will be:

• Held by the practice.

• Used by the Ministry of Health to give me a National Health Index (NHI) number or update any changes.

• Sent to the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) and Ministry of Health to obtain subsidised funding on my behalf.

• Used to determine eligibility to receive publicly funded services. Information may be compared with other government agencies but only when permitted under the Privacy Act.

Health Information

Members of my health team may:

• Add to my health record during any services provided to me and use that information to provide appropriate care.

• Share relevant health information with other health professionals directly involved in my care.

Health Information Collection

I understand that my general practice can collect information from other agencies for the purpose of maintaining an up-to- date health record and providing safe and quality primary health care.

This may include:

• Receipt of laboratory, radiology or other results

• Shared electronic health records, such as HealthOne (used across the South Island), which provides test results, allergies, medications, clinician summaries and hospital information shared by other providers involved in my care.

• Correspondence from after-hours services, hospitals and specialists which can include discharge summaries, specialist letters, lab and imaging results.

• Letters and notifications from referral providers reporting back on health or screening programmes for which I have been referred (for example, Green Prescription, smoking cessation, dietitian).

• Information from Health NZ and WellSouth in regards to updated demographic, NHI or eligibility information.

• Contact from or correspondence from non-health agencies such as Police, legal representatives, Oranga Tamariki, insurance companies, Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income New Zealand) and the Accident Compensation Corporation

• Receipt of correspondence from employers, regarding, for example, fitness to work

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This practice may have staff that use AI tools to assist in providing healthcare services. All AI-assisted work is reviewed with human oversight to ensure their accuracy and appropriateness. AI will not be used for clinical decision-making or judgement. My health information will be used in accordance with legislative requirements and will not be shared with AI system outside the practice without my consent. All data processed by AI tools will be handled securely and in compliance with data protection regulations. I will be informed about how AI tools are being used in my care and can ask questions or request more information at any time. I can also withdraw my consent at any point by notifying the practice.

Audit

In the case of financial audits, my health information may be reviewed by an Auditor for checking a financial claim made by the Practice, but only according to the terms and conditions of section 22G of the Health Act (or any subsequent applicable Act). The Auditor may contact me to check that services have been received. If the audit involves checking on health matters, an appropriately qualified healthcare Practitioner will view the health records.

Health Programmes

Health data relevant to a programme I am enrolled in (e.g., Breast Screening, Immunisation, Diabetes) may be sent to the PHO or the external health agency managing this programme.

Other Uses of Health Information

My health information which will not include my name but may include my National Health Index Identifier (NHI) may be used by health agencies such as Health New Zealand, Ministry of Health, or PHO for the following purposes, as long as it is not used or published in a way that can identify me:

• Health service planning and reporting;

• Monitoring service quality; and

• Payment.

Research

My health information may be used for health research, but only if approved by an Ethics Committee and will not be used or published in a way that can identify me.

Except as listed above, I understand that details about my health status or the services I have received will remain confidential within the Practice unless I give specific consent for this information to be communicated.

Complaints

It’s Ok to complain if you are not happy with the way your health information is collected or used. Talk to your healthcare provider in the first instance. If you are still unhappy with the response you can call the Office or Privacy Commissioner toll free on 0800 803 909, as they can investigate this further.