Privacy Policy

Your Privacy at Sleep and Respiratory Group

The Sleep & Respiratory Group takes its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Health Records Act 2001 seriously, and is committed to protecting patient privacy.  We recognise that the information that we collect is often of a highly sensitive nature, and we make every effort to ensure that this information is used, stored, and disclosed appropriately, and that your privacy is protected.  

Here’s what you need to know:

  • What we collect: Your contact details, health history, Medicare/insurance information, and information from our website (e.g cookies).

  • How we use it: To provide your care, manage appointments and billing, and meet legal requirements.

  • Who we share with: Other health professionals involved in your care, pathology and radiology providers, Medicare/insurers, and trusted service providers (never for sale or marketing).

  • How we keep it safe: Secure medical record systems, encryption, and access controls.

  • Your rights: You can request access to or correction of your records, and opt out of non-essential communications.

  • Online tracking: Our website uses cookies and analytics to improve your experience — you can turn these off in your browser.

  • Transfers: If you move to another doctor, we can transfer your records with your consent.

  • Questions or concerns? Contact our Practice Manager at info@sleepgroup.com.au

For full details, please see our complete policy below.

Full Privacy Policy

1. Collection of Information

We may collect personal and health information necessary to provide you with quality medical care, including:

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

  • The name of your referring doctor and other clinicians involved in your care

  • Current and previous medical history, including family medical history where clinically relevant

  • Medicare number, private health insurance details, and billing/payment information

  • Information collected via our website, including cookies and analytics tools

We collect information directly from you where possible, but may also receive it from referring doctors, allied health professionals, diagnostic services, or family members (with your consent).

2. Use and Disclosure of Information

Your information may be used to:

  • Provide medical care and treatment

  • Communicate with you about your care, appointments, and results

  • Manage practice operations including billing and administration

  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations

  • Improve our website and services

In the process of providing medical services and treatment, we may use and disclose the information you provide in the following ways:

  • Other health professionals involved in your care

  • Pathology, radiology, and other diagnostic providers

  • Medicare, private health insurers, and government agencies as required

  • Trusted IT and service providers (under confidentiality obligations)

  • Disclosure to select organisations for administration purposes (such as outsourced transcription);

  • Disclosure to immediate family members with your expressed or implied consent.  Please alert staff if there are family members you do not wish information to be disclosed to;

  • Disclosure to other third parties with your written consent;

  • Disclosure to overseas recipients will only occur with:

  1. Your written consent; AND

  2. Written confirmation from the overseas recipient that the disclosed information will be handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

We do not sell or trade your personal information.

3. Storage of Information

The Sleep & Respiratory Group takes all reasonable steps to protect the security of information collected, which may be stored electronically and/or in hardcopy form, with encryption, password protection, and access controls in place.

Policies are in place to ensure:

  • Patient information is stored securely, protected from misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure;

  • Effective back-up and security of electronic records;

  • Appropriate destruction of information.

4. Access to Information

You may request access to, or correction of, your medical records by contacting our Practice in writing. Identification may be required. The Sleep & Respiratory Group will provide you with access to your medical records on request, except in circumstances where access may be denied under the Act

5. Consent and Opt-Out

By using our services, you consent to the collection and handling of your information as outlined.

You may opt out of:

  • Receiving non-essential communications (e.g., newsletters)

  • Having your information disclosed for purposes unrelated to your care (unless required by law)

6. Cookies, Tracking, and Online Advertising

Our website uses cookies and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to:

  • Improve your browsing experience

  • Monitor website performance and traffic

  • Deliver relevant content

You may disable cookies in your browser, though this may affect website functionality.

7. Transfer of Patient Information

If you transfer to another healthcare provider, we will provide a summary or full copy of your medical records with your written consent. 

We may also transfer information when required by law or in emergencies.

8. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about your privacy, please contact:

Practice Manager

The Sleep and Respiratory Group]

Email: info@sleepgroup.com.au

Suite 2, 243 New St, Brighton, VIC, 3186

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.