Privacy Policy
SCOPE Privacy Policy
SCOPE Integrated Orthopaedic Practice (“SCOPE”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal and sensitive information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).This policy applies to all patients, website visitors, practitioners, referrers, and other individuals who interact with SCOPE.
1. What information we collect
We may collect personal information and sensitive information, including but not limited to: Full name, date of birth, gender, and contact details
Medicare number, private health insurance details, and payment information
Medical history, diagnostic results, imaging, treatment plans, and clinical notes
Referral information from medical practitioners or allied health professionals
Appointment records and communications
Website usage data (such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited)
Health information is classified as sensitive information under Australian privacy law and is handled with a higher level of care.
2. How we collect information
We collect information in a number of ways, including:
Directly from you when you complete forms, attend consultations, or communicate with us
From referring doctors, hospitals, allied health providers, or diagnostic services
Through our website, patient portals, and digital health platforms
From third parties where authorised or required by law
Where reasonable and practicable, we collect information directly from you.
3. Why we collect, hold, and use your information
We collect, hold, and use your information to:
Provide medical care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services
Manage appointments, referrals, and care pathways
Communicate with you about your care and treatment
Maintain accurate clinical records
Process billing, Medicare claims, and private health insurance claims
Meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
Improve our services, systems, and patient experience
We only use your information for purposes directly related to your care or where otherwise permitted or required by law.
4. Disclosure of your information
We may disclose your personal or health information to:
Medical practitioners, surgeons, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals involved in your care
Hospitals, diagnostic imaging providers, pathology services, and specialist clinics
Medicare, private health insurers, and payment processors
IT service providers and practice management system providers (under strict confidentiality obligations)
Regulatory bodies or authorities where required by law
We do not sell your personal information.
5. Use of digital systems and third-party platforms
SCOPE uses secure digital systems, including cloud-based practice management and patient engagement platforms, to deliver coordinated care. Where third-party service providers are used, we take reasonable steps to ensure they comply with privacy and security obligations consistent with Australian privacy law. Some data may be stored on servers located outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
6. Security of your information
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These measures include:
Secure electronic medical record systems
Access controls and authentication
Staff training and confidentiality obligations
Secure data storage and backup procedures
When information is no longer required, it is securely destroyed or de-identified in accordance with legal and clinical record-keeping requirements.
7. Accessing and correcting your information
You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.
Requests should be made in writing using the contact details below. We may require verification of identity and may charge a reasonable administrative fee where permitted by law.
8. Complaints and concerns
If you have a concern or complaint about how your information has been handled, please contact us first so we can attempt to resolve the issue.If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
9. Website and cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and analyse usage. These do not identify you personally unless you choose to provide personal information. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.
10. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our practices or legal requirements. The current version will always be available on our website.
11. Contact us
For privacy-related enquiries, access requests, or complaints, please contact us.