Privacy Policy

Valiant Physiotherapy
ABN: 39 695 863 775
Last reviewed / updated: 25th February 2026

Our commitment to your privacy
Valiant Physiotherapy is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information (including your health information) in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We also comply with any relevant state/territory health records legislation.

This Privacy Policy explains:
the kinds of personal information (including health information) we collect and hold
- how we collect it and why
- how we use and disclose it
- how we keep it secure
- how you can access and correct it
- how to make a complaint if you are concerned about your privacy

1. What personal information do we collect?

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for us to provide you with high-quality physiotherapy services. This usually includes:
- Identification and contact details: full name, date of birth, address, phone numbers, email address, emergency contact details, Medicare / DVA / private health insurance details
- Health and medical information (sensitive information):
- reason for visit / presenting problem
- medical history (injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions)
- current medications
- results of examinations, tests, and measurements
- treatment plans, progress notes, exercise prescriptions
- reports from / to other health professionals
- imaging / pathology results you provide or we request
- Other information: referral details, occupation / work-related information (for workers’ compensation / CTP claims), lifestyle factors relevant to your care (e.g. exercise habits, work duties), payment / billing information

We generally only collect sensitive health information with your consent, unless required or authorised by law.

2. How do we collect your information?

We usually collect information:
- directly from you (via intake forms, verbal history, email / messaging, telehealth consultations)
- from referring doctors, specialists, other allied health professionals, hospitals or insurers (with your consent or when necessary to provide care)
- from third parties where you have directed us to obtain information (e.g. imaging providers)
- sometimes automatically (e.g. IP address / device info when using our website or online booking portal)

3. Why do we collect, hold, use and disclose your information?

We collect, use and disclose your information primarily to:
- assess, diagnose, treat and manage your condition
- provide you with physiotherapy services, exercise programs, advice and follow-up care
- communicate with you (appointment reminders, results, invoices, reports)
- communicate with other health providers involved in your care (with your consent or when reasonably necessary)
- process payments, rebates and health insurance / Medicare / DVA / workers’ compensation claims
- meet legal obligations (e.g. mandatory reporting, responding to court orders)
- maintain accurate clinical records (required under professional standards and for at least 7 years after last contact — longer for minors)
- improve our services, conduct internal audits / quality activities, or for training / education (de-identified where possible)

4. Who do we disclose your information to?
We may disclose your information to:
- other health professionals involved in your care (GPs, specialists, podiatrists, exercise physiologists, etc.)
- your referring doctor or other referrer
- Medicare, private health insurers, DVA, WorkCover / workers’ compensation authorities (as required for claiming)
- our practice management / accounting / IT service providers (under strict confidentiality obligations)
- government agencies when required by law
- lawyers or insurers in the event of a complaint, claim or investigation

We will not usually disclose your information overseas unless you specifically authorise it (e.g. sharing with an overseas specialist for a second opinion).

5. How do we protect your information?
We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This includes:
- secure electronic health record software with password protection and encryption
- secure storage of paper records
- staff training on privacy obligations
- access controls (only authorised staff view your records)
- secure disposal of records when no longer required

6. Access and correction
You have the right to:
- access the personal information we hold about you (some exceptions apply, e.g. if access would pose a serious threat to life/health or affect someone else’s privacy)
- request correction if the information is inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date

To request access or correction, contact our Privacy Officer (details below). We will usually respond within 30 days. We may charge a reasonable fee for providing access (e.g. copying costs).

7. How to make a complaint
If you believe we have breached your privacy rights or this policy, please contact our Privacy Officer in the first instance. We will investigate and respond within a reasonable time.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Website: www.oaic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 363 992

8. Contact us

Privacy Officer
Valiant Physiotherapy
266 High Street, Northcote, VIC 3070
Phone: 0493 116 130
Email: [privacy@valiantphysiotherapy.com.au]

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or the law. The current version is available on our website www.valiantphysiotherapy.com.au/privacy-policy and at reception.

By continuing to use our services, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your information in the manner described in this policy (unless you tell us otherwise). You may withdraw consent at any time, but this may limit our ability to provide appropriate care.

Thank you for trusting us with your care and your personal information.