Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 6, 2025

1. Introduction

Astro Medical Imaging ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal and health information. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and applicable state and territory health records laws such as the Health Records Act 2001 (VIC).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, communicate with us, or use our medical imaging services.

2. Information We Collect

a. Personal Health Information

• Medical history and current health status
• Diagnostic imaging results and reports
• Referring physician information
• Insurance and billing information

b. Personal Information

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Date of birth and Medicare number
• Emergency contact details
• Appointment scheduling information

c. Website & Technical Information

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Contact form submissions
• Cookie and analytics data (see Section 9)

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information directly from you (in person, by phone, online), from your referring healthcare provider, and from authorised third parties such as your insurer.

Where required by law, we will seek your informed consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your information. You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions.

4. How We Use Your Information

We may use your information for the following purposes:

• Providing medical imaging services and diagnostic reports
• Scheduling and confirming appointments
• Communicating with you and your healthcare providers
• Processing insurance claims and billing
• Improving our services and website functionality
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements
• Responding to medical emergencies

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Healthcare Providers – With your referring physician and other providers involved in your care
• Legal Requirements – When required by law, court order, or regulatory authorities
• Insurance Providers – For billing and claims processing
• Emergency Situations – To protect your life, health, or safety or that of others
• Overseas Disclosures – If any personal information is stored or processed outside Australia (e.g., cloud services), we ensure appropriate privacy protections in line with the APPs. You will be informed if this applies.

6. Data Security

We implement strict security measures to safeguard your information, including:

• Encrypted data transmission and secure storage
• Access controls and staff training
• Regular security audits and software updates
• Secure disposal of paper and electronic records

If a serious data breach occurs, we will follow the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme, including notifying you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) when required.

7. Your Rights

Under Australian privacy laws, you have the right to:

• Access your personal health information
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request restrictions on how your information is used
• Receive a copy of your medical records
• Withdraw your consent (subject to legal requirements)
• Make a complaint about our privacy practices

8. Retention of Information

We retain your medical records and personal information in accordance with Australian healthcare regulations and professional standards — typically for at least 7 years after your last visit (or longer for certain cases such as minors).

9. Website Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. These may include:

• Essential Cookies – Required for site functionality
• Analytics Cookies – To track site usage (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies – To remember settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly if you disable them.

10. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services for appointment scheduling, secure email communications, and website analytics. These providers are bound by confidentiality obligations and privacy requirements consistent with Australian law.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on our website with a revised "last updated" date.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

13. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy, you can:

• Contact our Privacy Officer at the details above
• Contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – www.oaic.gov.au
• Contact the Health Care Complaints Commission in your state or territory